At 10am Abingdon Freewheeling gathered for a medium paced ride of around 30 miles starting at Abingdon Market Place.
Nearby, at 10am Fat Face opened their doors for the start of the sales.
At 10am members of the MG Car Club had begun to gather for the annual Boxing Day run starting from Abingdon Market Place. The route was about 34 miles ending at the Dog House at Frilford Heath
Over 40 MGs gathered to take part.
During 2014 there have been a number of events in Abingdon commemorating the centenary of the start of World War I.
Abingdon Library are still collecting information about people from Abingdon who served in WWI.
In the Abingdon Free Press and Didcot News, 100 years ago, there is a comment that Christmas celebrations, at home, should be subdued because of the vacant places round the hearths of many families with sons, and older brothers, serving in places of danger – even more so, because of bereavements – “Weep with those who weep.”
The Oxford Picture Journal published pictures of service men killed or injured from Oxford and surroundings towns and villages. Those pictured as killed in action from Abingdon included:
Private King of 22 Ock Street killed on Sep 10 1914 at Mons in Belgium
Private Bowler of 54 Vineyard killed Sep 18 1914 in Belgium
Lance Corporal Luker of 24 West St Helen Street killed Oct 1914
Private Alford of Winterbourne Road
Private Stanley of 8 Ock Street killed Oct 28 1914 at Zonnebeke in Belgium
Private Denton of Victoria Road killed Oct 21 1914 in Belgium
Private Blagrove of 202 Ock Street killed Nov 13 1914 at Zonnebeke in Belgium
The Free Press also mentioned that the members of the Royal Naval Air Service, billeted in Abingdon, had arranged a ‘capital’ concert at the YMCA Social Club Rooms in Ock Street.
In the same paper there is another comment – some local traders were asking why fewer service men were billeted in Abingdon compared to other towns. Service men were good for trade.
Going round the ways and byways of Abingdon I was very impressed by the Christmas lights this year. There are many people out there sharing their joy with Christmas Lights. I was particularly impressed by Medlicott Drive in the Ladygrove Estate in South Abingdon. The picture cannot do them justice.
As always there are 3 or 4 brilliant displays along Saxton Road, and many other roads.
Another feature of this year’s lights are Care Homes – both Abingdon Court
and Bridge House have brilliant displays. I just could not get high enough to show the sweep of lights round Bridge House. The residents get a much better view from their upstairs windows.
This morning the fourth candle on the Advent crown was lit at Trinity, Abingdon.
There was a very moving baptism, followed by a nativity tableau.
Revd Ian Griffiths, the new minister of both All Saints Church, Abingdon, and Trinity Church, Abingdon, led the service.
In the evening there was a carol service with traditional carols and readings.
Many people go to church at Christmas to re-experience the wonder of Christmas and sing the traditional carols, who don’t go at other times.