Changes Ahead for Miele’s Abingdon Headquarters

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German appliance manufacturer Miele, which has been based in Abingdon since 1981, has long been one of the town’s major employers. Its headquarters on Marcham Road occupies a large site close to the Marcham Interchange.

The company has now announced a major reorganisation of its UK operations. Logistics and warehousing will transfer to Northampton from early 2027, while many office-based staff have been told their roles will move to Reading. Employees now face difficult decisions about relocating, commuting or, in some cases, redundancy.

For many local people, Miele is best known for its Experience Centre, where visitors can explore the latest appliances, see cutaway machines revealing the engineering inside, and watch cooking demonstrations in the upstairs kitchens. Around ten years ago it hosted the Abingdon Food and Drink Festival, giving many people their first chance to see the Experience Centre and watch top chefs in action.

There’s also the Miele Outlet, where returned and ex-display appliances are sold at reduced prices.

So far, there has been no confirmation about the long-term future of Miele’s Abingdon headquarters or the wider impact of the reorganisation on the site.

Whatever happens next, Miele has been an important part of Abingdon for more than four decades. The company arrived not long after the closure of the MG car plant and has provided employment for generations of local people. Many households in the area own Miele appliances, helped by the nearby Experience Centre and Outlet, staff discounts, and family connections with people who have worked there over the years.

Whatever happens, Tesco in Abingdon has made the most of the World Cup

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As you enter the store, you’re greeted by an aisle decorated with 47 national flags. One of the 48 flag positions is empty. There’s a gap where the England flag should be. Possibly nicked?

The aisle features things to buy to consume during the football: fajita kits and dips, Coca-Cola, chocolates, crisps and snacks, boxes of beer and cider and bottles of wines, including the Kylie Minogue range.

England face Argentina in a World Cup semi-final this evening, and Tesco Extra in Abingdon is getting behind the team with the message: ‘Make History England.’

The store background music as I walked between the aisles was ‘Jerusalem’ and that helped to create a patriotic warm feeling.

There’s also a mini football pitch where children can test their shooting skills.

Whatever happens tonight, Tesco Extra in Abingdon have made the most of the world cup. There was also a buzz of excitement in town as people congregated on a warm evening at different pubs and locations to watch the game.

Another Hole in St Helen’s Wharf

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Two people reported a possible sinkhole on Fix My Street after noticing a horse shoe sized hole in the pavement along St Helen’s Wharf.

The hole has an open void beneath the surface. There are also cracks in the nearby tarmac. (And somebody has put petunias down there.)

Another hole appeared on St Helen’s Wharf in 2021 and was caused by erosion of the wharf wall.

Abingdon Mourns Former Mayor Margaret Crick

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The town flag is flying at half-mast above the County Hall following the death of former Mayor of Abingdon, Councillor Margaret Crick, who passed away on Friday, 10th July 2026. Her health had not been good recently, but her passing was a shock to her council colleagues and friends.

Margaret was first elected to Abingdon Town Council in 2007, representing Caldecott Ward. She later represented Dunmore Ward, serving as a Town Councillor and also as a District Councillor. She was Mayor of Abingdon in 2018–19 before going on to become Chair of the Vale of White Horse District Council, a position she held for four consecutive years from 2019 to 2023.

Before entering local government, Margaret was a teacher, working both in England and in the Bahamas. Young people were always important to Margaret, and during her year as Mayor her chosen charities were Abingdon Carousel and Be Free Young Carers.

Margaret was a hard-working and dedicated councillor who gave a great deal of time to serving Abingdon. Much of what she did was away from the headlines, quietly supporting residents, community groups, and local causes. She brought the calm authority and organisation of a teacher to council meetings, while also being known for her warmth, humour, and willingness to ask thoughtful questions.

Away from public life, Margaret was a keen gardener, a member of Abingdon Horticultural Society, and a talented craftswoman. Behind the scenes she donated handmade jewellery to help raise money for community events.

Margaret leaves two sons, David and Michael, who served as Mayor’s escorts during her year as Mayor.