Monthly Archives: February 2015

Fairtrade Events in Abingdon Today

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Fairtrade Events in Abingdon
The cover of the Big Issue reminded us it is Fairtrade Fortnight – promoting products sourced in a way that’s better for the farmers, growers and workers involved.
Fairtrade Events in Abingdon
At St Helens Church there were Fairtrade products on sale, as well as a Big Brew.
Fairtrade Events in Abingdon
Oxfam have 20% off Fairtrade products during Fairtrade fortnight from 23rd February to 8th March.
Fairtrade Events in Abingdon
Oxfam also had a stall at St Ethelwolds where people could have afternoon tea, and take part in a baking demo with mostly Fairtrade ingredients.

Abingdon is a Fairtrade town.

Larkmead Ofsted Result

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Larkmead Ofsted Result
Larkmead School recently had an inspection by Ofsted, and the news is that their rating is “Good” in all areas. Under the new Ofsted framework, this is the first time that Larkmead has achieved “Good”.

Ofsted were particularly impressed that the school’s leadership, with strong support from Governors, had improved the quality of teaching so that ‘it is consistently at least good and some of it is now outstanding across subjects and all year groups.’

Mr Chris Harris, The Head Teacher, said “We know that Larkmead can, and should, be rated “Outstanding” and we will work hard to reach our goal.”

Thanks to Iain and Marilyn for letting me know.

Abbey Meadow Public Consultation

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Abbey Meadow Public Consultation
You can either pick up a leaflet from places like the Guildhall, Abbey House, and some shops, or go to tinyurl.com/AbbeyMeadow  and fill in an online survey. The scenarios will also be on display in the Bury Street Community Shop between March 23 and 28, for people wanting to ask questions and find out more, and are at the Abbey Meadows.

The Vale of White Horse District Council have around £500K to spend on improving the area and have presented 3 options for the future of the park:
Abbey Meadow Public Consultation
A) A Place to Swim and Play – ensures the long term future of the open Air Pool and then asks people to rate what other facilities they would like. See the survey for details.
B) A Place to Relax and Unwind – replaces the pool with a cafe, and then asks people to rate what other facilities they would like.
C) A flexible outdoor space – improves the public toilets, and then asks people to rate what other facilities they would like. No pool here either.

The consultation runs to 7 April 2015, and the result will be known after the elections in the Summer. The Abbey Meadows are already the most visited park in the Vale of White Horse District.
Abbey Meadow Public Consultation
I first wrote a blog post called hot hot hot day about the Abbey Meadows in 2006. It was intended to be in the style of Dr Seuss.

Hawthorn Pubs Closed

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Secured Empty Properties
Back in May 2014, Greene King sold 275 pubs to Hawthorn Leisure, a new operator that was quickly expanding with the help of overseas investment. This winter the two Abingdon pubs that were part of that initial deal –
Secured Empty Properties
the Cross Keys
Secured Empty Properties
and the Saxton Arms in Abingdon, have boards in the windows to say they are closed.