Monthly Archives: December 2012

Increase in applications to change town centre offices to residential use

Change of Use
Six new apartments are on the market in Stert Street which were until recently vacant offices.

2012 saw an increase in the number of applications to change offices in Abingdon town centre to residential use.
Change of Use
In July 2012 plans were submitted to convert ground floor offices in Lombard Street to form 2 one bedroom and 1 two bedroom apartments.
Change of Use
October 2012 – West St Helen Street – plans submitted for change of use of building from offices to residential to form 10 flats.
Change of Use
November 2012 – Bath Street – plans submitted for change of use from commercial to residential.

There were also three other planning applications submitted in Bath Street to change upper floors from commercial to residential use during 2012.

The 2012 Christmas Floods

Christmas 2012 Floods
The Ock Valley Walk was closed on Christmas Eve because of the flooding, and the Margaret Brown Garden was closed, possibly, because of the council’s fear of people falling into the River Thames.
Christmas 2012 Floods
So walks on Christmas Day and Boxing Day have been restricted. Lots of people have gone to look at the floods from places like Abingdon Bridge and the Abbey Grounds.
Christmas 2012 Floods
The environment agency said earlier today that “The River Thames continues to rise slowly in the Abingdon area. Levels are expected to be less than or similar to those seen during November 2012“.

More rain, from 5 – 10mm, is predicted by the Met Office for tomorrow (Thursday).

St Helen’s Church Nativity Pictures

Thanks to Rachel for this report of the St Helen’s Nativity …
Christmas Day
St Helen’s Church Baby and Toddler Group Christmas party has become something of an institution over the last few years, and is open to everyone.
Christmas Day
The main parts in the Nativity Play were taken by choristers and members of Junior Church, and the toddlers themselves took part as angels and shepherds. It was also a chance to welcome back youngsters now of school age.
Christmas Day
There were about 160 people there this year and we raised over £100 for the Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary.

Christmas Eve 2012 in Abingdon

Abingdon Christmas Eve
Near the goalmouth at Caldecott Rec a family had left a tribute to Dave, who had devoted many many years to Saxton Rovers Football Club.
Abingdon Christmas Eve
There were lots of people in town this morning. Not only was it Christmas Eve but also the Abingdon Monday Market.
Abingdon Christmas Eve
Waitrose looked very busy and there was a long queue of people collecting their turkeys, and Abingdon Town Band played carols near the exit.
Abingdon Christmas Eve
At St Helens Church there was a production line making 510 Christingles for the 4.30 pm Christingle Service.
Abingdon Christmas Eve
Just a month after the last flooding the Rivers are rising again.
Abingdon Christmas Eve
At 4:30 pm, there was the Trinity Torchlight Service where children brought torches to help light the way for the shepherds and wise men to Bethlehem.

Merry Christmas.