Talking Maps and The Big Fix

Two upcoming events that may be of interest are Talking Maps and The Big Fix
Talking Maps
Upstairs in Abingdon Library, there is a showcase, and board, displaying old maps of Abingdon. One of the maps has all the buildings coloured a pretty pink.
Talking Maps
Next Thursday the Oxfordshire History Centre and the Bodleian Library will be showcasing maps from their archives.

Talking Maps is a celebration of maps and what they tell us about the places they depict and the people that make and use them.
Talking Maps
The Big Fix 2020, repair cafe, is before then, this Saturday.
Talking Maps
You will find it in one of the Northcott barns. (This map is from a book of Berkshire by John Rocque and from 1761- the year of the Coronation of King George III and Abingdon’s first recorded bun throwing.)

Valentine’s Day List in Abingdon

My Valentine List
In the New Books at Abingdon Library is a book called Twenty One Truths About Love. The book is written by Daniel, a list maker. His Love Story is revealed through the lists he writes each day.

Valentine’s Day List in Abingdon …

My Valentine List
1. Cupcake from Parson’s Bakery in Bury Street.
My Valentine List
2. Red fluffy heart from the finishing touch in Stert Street.
My Valentine List
3. For You card from Belinda’s in West St Helen Street.
My Valentine List
4. Go to the Rainbow’s end along Bridge Street.
My Valentine List
5. Get fabulous flowers along the way
My Valentine List
6. If all that fails, go to the Gig at the Old Anchor.

The Vale is Alive

Vales are Alive
Peter often sends me advance notification of concerts by the Abingdon and District Musical Society (ADMS). There are two concerts in March. The concerts will be held at St Helen’s Church. The conductor will be Alexander Walker and the orchestra will be led by Kate Bailey.

Saturday 7th March at 7:30 pm (orchestral concert):
“Four Last Songs” by Richard Strauss
“Symphony No. 1” by Elgar

Saturday 21st March at 7:30 pm (choral concert):
“Cantique de Jean Racine” by Faure
“Rejoice in the Lamb” by Britten
“Requiem” by Durufle

Abingdon & District Musical Society have been performing since 1946. They have a large mixed voice choir and a full symphony orchestra – both led by professional musicians.
Vales are Alive
It makes me wonder how a town the size of Abingdon, in the Vale of the White Horse, has so many musical groups and societies.

Nags Head change of ownership and winter refurbishment

Nags Head change
Dusham took over, and then refurbished, the Nags Head in 2012, and ran it until August 2019. He often carried out winter upgrade work. As a result the large island beer garden has been transformed. The Nags Head has its best months in the Summer with the River Thames and Nags Head Island being big attractions.
Nags Head change
The Nags Head has been taken over by Brakspear. The name Brakspear rhymes with Shakespeare and originated with the Brakspear Brewery in Henley-on-Thames. They have 130 pubs.
Nags Head change
The Nags Head is closed for refurbishment during the winter months.