Re-opening at Kings Head and Bell

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Re-opening at Kings Head and Bell
The Kings Head and Bell re-opened this evening after being closed during the summer months.
Re-opening at Kings Head and Bell
The pub had been refurbished and repainted and there was a new pub sign. The King’s head has been replaced with a Brewing Bell. According to The Town Council History Portal there was a pub here before 1554 called The Bell. In the eighteenth century the King’s Head was first added to its name.
Re-opening at Kings Head and Bell
The beer was good.
Re-opening at Kings Head and Bell
The Mayor was there with the head of the pub chain for the opening.

The major innovation from the refurbishment is enclosing a lot of the courtyard. The roof can be retracted – as happens at Wimbledon. One of the glass walls can also be opened. So on sunny days there is a courtyard, and in rain and winter there is a covered eating area near the revamped kitchen.

Abingdon Michaelmas Fair – Tuesday

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Abingdon Michaelmas Fair
The crowds were out on both Monday and Tuesday for the Michaelmas Fair.
Abingdon Michaelmas Fair
There had been a lot of rain earlier in the day on both days, but it was mostly dry at the peak time of late afternoon and early evening.
Abingdon Michaelmas Fair
The fair rides were not that different from previous years. But this view will change as the new old people’s flats are being built along Ock Street. The residents are going to have great views as some of the biggest rides will be opposite.
Abingdon Michaelmas Fair
The best view, unless you own a drone, is from the high swing ride at the end of Ock Street.
Abingdon Michaelmas Fair
This picture is taken from near Reeves chip shop where people sit along the wall and eat chips.
Abingdon Michaelmas Fair
There are also lots of vans selling chips and donuts.
Abingdon Michaelmas Fair
Some of our local restaurants offer more exotic street food. Dorindos dressed in ponchos for the occasion.
Abingdon Michaelmas Fair
Traffic cannot get along High Street and Ock Street during the fair and so for three days, from Sunday to Tuesday, buses and cars are diverted.
Abingdon Michaelmas Fair
A pink unicorn, made in China, joined the cuddly toys in our house today. There seemed to be a lot of people  carrying pink unicorns at the fair. My guess is China is offloading a surplus.
Abingdon Michaelmas Fair
The County Hall always looks good, and the bright lights from the fair make it look stunning.
Abingdon Michaelmas Fair
Anyway, that is all for another year. By tomorrow the fair will be gone.

A few children’s rides will return next Sunday for the Monday Runaway Fair.

Abingdon Michaelmas Fair – Sunday

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Abingdon Michaelmas Fair
The Abingdon Michaelmas Fair has returned for Monday and Tuesday of this week.
Abingdon Michaelmas Fair
On Sunday the fair paraphernalia was being set up on the Market Place, High Street, Stratton Way,
Abingdon Michaelmas Fair
and Ock Street.
Abingdon Michaelmas Fair
Setting up the fair involves a lot of hard work. Bob Wilson’s Fun Fairs co-ordinate the show people, and work with Abingdon Town Council, and other authorities.
Abingdon Michaelmas Fair
Abingdon County Hall Museum has an exhibition about the fair with pictures and historical details and a distortion mirror. The exhibition runs from 5th October until 22nd December
Abingdon Michaelmas Fair
Going to watch the fair being set up is a tradition.
Abingdon Michaelmas Fair
Another tradition is the Sunday Evening Fair Service at the Galloping Horses. This year it began with a welcome by the Mayor, and was led by Revd Steve Millard from Abingdon Baptist Church.
Abingdon Michaelmas Fair
There followed a ride for anybody who wished.