Abindon Street Fair 2009 – Set Up


These two were having a Lib Dem / Conservative debate as the fair got set up around them.

Town Council workmen were manning the barriers.

As always there were the kids on the bikes having a look round.

All run by Bob Wilson and his wife. Sorry I have not got a picture of the great couple.

But here at least is one of their stall holders, about to drive into the Baptist Church carpark now the service is over.

And here is Revd David Fleming, himself, Abingdon’s second longest serving church Minister at 8 years. He has seen that same man with his lorry take the same pitch in front of the church for 8 years now, and it has always worked out well.

Finally Steve Rich, Town Council Technical Officer, and Nigel Warner, Town Clerk. This is a busy three days for them. They have a final inspection with Bob Wilson this evening.

On The Market Place Today


Guide Dogs for the Blind were collecting.

Riverside Pre-School had a stall. They are a nursery off Preston Road – in the Thameside School grounds – which was recently in danger of closing because of not enough volunteers. They still need people to help, but are safe for now. My son went to the Riverside playgroup – as it once was – at the St John’s Ambulance Station when it was run by Mrs Barratt – I think – circa 1990.

Also the Monday Market Fruit and Vedge man was there. There will be Fairs the next two Mondays so he has shifted to Saturday during that time.

Good Times Just around the Corner


Hester commented two days ago that there are signs of change in the Woolworth’s door – the one round the corner.

It is not so much the Street Fair poster – the best adverts for that are the yellow traffic signs on every approach into the town warning that the Street Fair is on from Monday 5th October to Tuesday 6th –

No, the good news is this notice concerning a new Store Opening in Abingdon, presumably taking up some, but not all, of the vacant Woolworths Store. Cargo left Abingdon early last year to be replaced by Londis. But Cargo Home Shop are on their way back. I believe that Scottish Widows bought up the vacant Woolworths premises from the receivers earlier in the year to add to the rest of the Abbey Shopping Centre.

Small Print: Scottish Widows seem to be doing a good job. I only hope they are looking after their smaller – long standing tennants who have faithfully served the town through the bad times and ought to be there to profit from the good times just around the corner.