We had a meeting today to plan this year’s Heritage Open Day (which is on September 10th). It will be 600 years since Abingdon Bridge was built in 1416. There will be talks, and exhibitions about Abingdon Bridge, and the museum are creating a large medieval event on the Market Place.
At Abingdon Bridge this evening one of the Salter Steamer boats was dressed up in unusual livery with the message ‘Your IKEA is Coming’.
IKEA will be downstream at Reading.
Abingdon Beds have been operating for over twenty five years at their current location in Spring Road. The building was once a chapel.
The Tower of London has been operating for over 1000 years, looking after famous and infamous prisoners. It is the keep of the Crown Jewels, and more recently has become a tourist attraction.
Spike recently moved from Abingdon to become the newest Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London. Thank to him for this picture ‘Keeping it Local!’
At the Card Factory there are not only England Flags for sale for the Euro 2016 Football Tournament, there are also cards for Dad, and T-shirts in tins for Dad. It is Fathers Day today.
W H Smith have been offering copies of the Ladybird Book called ‘The Dad’ for £4.99 when you buy ANY Father’s Day Card.
Restaurants have been offering Father’s Day breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And Greene King have a deal they call ‘Utter Dadness – A FREE PINT’ for Dad on Father’s Day.
Today was the day when the Mayor of Ock Street was elected. Three dance groups could be seen round the town centre for most of the day. Shown above, outside the avicenne pharmacy (formerly the plough pub), are the combined Oxford City and Oxford University group.
Also there were the Old Speckled Hen north west clog morris.
Morris Dancers paraded round town from one venue to the next.
Outside the Brewery Tap was the polling station. There was also a polling box inside New Mayott House.
The President of the Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers, Mr Ewart Hemmings, was there to officiate.
Last year’s Mayor of Ock Street, Mr Duncan Brown, was there waiting to see if he would serve another year.
But that was not to be. Mr Harry Knight was elected by a majority of 104 votes to 74 (or thereabouts). The Deputy Mayor of the town of Abingdon, Councillor Jan Morter, was there to present the tokens of office including: Mayor’s sash, cup, sword, and hat.
It was a popular result, and as a result we can expect lots of good Morrris Dancing in Abingdon in the year to come.