The northern end of Stert Street, from the junction with Stratton Way to Broad Street, was closed overnight because of a partially collapsed manhole cover that needed replacing.
Meanwhile there is a lot of water at the southern end of Stert Street from a leaking water main.
The other roadworks, the Culvert exploratory work, is nearly complete, and the contractors are just repairing the holes.
St Helen’s Church was full for the Abingdon Music Centre Christmas Concert – an annual event where groups from the Abingdon Music Centre, perform for each other and for family and friends.
The concert started with the Community Orchestra. They played some Beatles songs, then Bruch’s Violin Concerto no 1: 2nd movement.
Before they could start a butterfly landed on the music of Helen Eccleston, the conductor. Once blown off, the orchestra watched it fluttering off round the church.
Bethan Rose was the soloist of the concerto – a piece she played when winning the Francis Kitching Trophy for 2014, a trophy in memory of a well known local music teacher who wanted to encourage students to continue music after school.
The Christmas Lights were turned on at 5:30 on Saturday. The big candles above the Market Place have been repaired after their first few years or use, and are looking as strong as ever in 2014.
Thanks to Peter for sending an alternative view of the fireworks that followed the lights being switched on.
The most original new light in 2014 is near the war memorial – a simple poppy.
The displays along High Street look best if you can sweep through town in a car.
Sami’s Kebab Trailer must enjoy being at the centre of this Picadilly Circus of lights. The golden lights down Bury Street, behind, got turned on a week before the rest.
I read in the Herald that about £15K was spent on new lights and light repairs by Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council round the town centre. The museum lights look as striking as ever, whether viewed outside or in.
A recent survey of the voluntary sector in Abingdon by a team of students from Oxford University identified over 200 voluntary and community groups in Abingdon. This is a massive resource which contributes greatly to the quality of life in the town.
Dave Butterworth, the Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action (OCVA) ambassador for Abingdon, thought that it would be a good idea if voluntary groups could meet to get to know one another, to share experiences and, perhaps, develop joint initiatives.
The first such event was held at 35 Ock Street last week and was attend by 20 representative of groups covering a wide range of interests and activities.
People there really enjoyed the event and were keen to hold similar events on a quarterly basis. For more information contact Dave on dave.vol@ocva.org.uk.