The names of the men from Abingdon who served in World War 1 were read from the Roll of Service in St Helen’s Church on the Centenary of the outbreak of World War 1.
Abingdon Library has been collecting pictures and information about those who served, and an exhibition is also planned from Sept 8-12 in the Community Shop in Bury Street to remember those who served in World War 1.
“Please bring photographs of Abingdon people who served in the war (men & women). The photographs do not have to show the person in uniform & can have been taken at anytime in their life…” to either the Library or the Community Shop.
Houses in East St Helens Street are to display the story of previous inhabitants who served in World War 1 in their windows during Heritage Weekend (13-14 September).
One is already there.
During Heritage Weekend, in addition to the usual open properties and walks, all free, there is also a Family Activity Day on the Market Place to transport you back to Abingdon 100 years ago.
Ruby’s Vintage Fair will also be on that weekend in the Guildhall, as has happened for the last 2 years. They have a small charge for entry of £1.
I am pleased and proud to say that SSAFA – Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen Families Association has been asked to be the charity for Saturday 13th September with a collection on the Market Place,
SSFA, as it was then known, compiled the Abingdon Roll of Service and I will have information about that as well as what we did during WW1 and how we help servicemen and women and their families today.
There are ‘Abingdon at War’ leaflets in the Guildhall with the programme for the day as well as listing the places that are open free of charge. On Sunday 14th there will be guided walks around the town organised by The Friends of Abingdon.
Monica Lovatt – SSAFA Divisional Secretary Vale of White Horse.
Really proud to see my family name featuring so prominently on the poster, apparently the names are sized according to the amount of entries on the war memorial and there are seven “Kings” of Abingdon.
The centenary memorial/exhibitions are great, and I have already had a look at some of the war exhibition in the Library…I do wonder though…the exhibition in the Community Shop….is EXACTLY only on when most people are at work….which is a shame, as I am sure more people would go…if only they could.