Monthly Archives: September 2012

Down Memory Lane Exhibition

Down Memory Lane
There was an exhibition of memories from the 1940s and 50s at the Abingdon Resource and Wellbeing Centre on Saturday. It included pictures, videos, and art work. A number of the stars of the exhibition were there to answer questions …
Down Memory Lane
Stella Coulling had signed up to become a bus conductor at the start of the war, and then went on a two week training course to become a bus driver, which she passed.
Down Memory Lane
She said it was not easy driving a large bus in blackout conditions – particularly in the rain when hundreds of workers were leaving the Morris Motors plant on bikes with no lights.
Down Memory Lane
To read more about this excellent exhibition visit Sharon Woodward’s Blog . There are links to a number of  films shown at the exhibition: the first one is about Stella. Another shows John Mason School students who had a go at making cakes with war time ingredients. The Brownies were helping at the exhibition, serving teas, and are also featured on the films.

Saturday Only

It has been raining most of Sunday as the weather forecast predicted.
Motocross at Culham Park
For three or four weeks now, an event at Culham Park (over the River Thames from Abingdon) has been advertised around Abingdon on roadside signs.

The event combined Motocross with a family amusement event.

As the event neared, the weather forecast looked good for Saturday but bad for Sunday.  

And so  “Saturday Only”  appeared on signs. The main events were switched to Saturday as the organisers did not want to fall victim to the weather. There was still Motocross on the rainy Sunday and could be seen from across the river.
Motocross at Culham Park
As it happens they had a glorious Saturday at the Motocross and Kids Zone.
Motocross at Culham Park
Sunday morning started overcast and then the rain set in and has continued until now. The forecasters and organisers got it right.

Story Lab Challenge @AbingdonLibrary

Story Lab Challenge
Thanks to Iain for this picture and report …

Story Lab is a scheme Abingdon Library have been running over the summer with the able assistance of some young volunteers.

The challenge they set children was to read 6 books over the summer holidays. Today there was a ceremony in the library where the mayor presented medals and certificates to children who had successfully completed the challenge.

Rosie the librarian told watching parents that over 500 children had participated this year, with more than 200 completing the challenge, which is more than 100 more than last year. Between them they read an impressive 2000 books over the holidays.

We are very lucky to have such an active and well supported library in Abingdon. Follow them on twitter @AbingdonLibrary.