Revised Mini-Roundabout Plans for Fairacres Retail Park

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A new planning application has been submitted by M&S Foods Ltd to install a mini-roundabout on Nuffield Way. The proposal follows an earlier application that was withdrawn after concerns were raised by Oxfordshire County Council.

According to the application, the mini-roundabout is intended to improve access and make it easier and safer for vehicles leaving the retail park.

One issue highlighted during consideration of the earlier proposal was road safety. Nuffield Way includes a long, straight stretch where vehicle speeds can increase. The revised design introduces a more pronounced bend on the approach to the mini-roundabout, with the aim of encouraging slower speeds and improving safety.

Vale planning application: P26/V0816/FUL

Since the arrival of M&S Food, the retail park has become noticeably busier, with increased traffic movements in and out of the site.

St Edmund Celebrations Bring Music, Processions and Medieval Life to Abingdon

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Abingdon marked the 850th anniversary celebrations of St Edmund of Abingdon with a packed programme of activities across the Market Place, churches, and St Ethelwold’s House. The day began with prayers at Christ Church before a procession set off through the town.

The procession first stopped at Our Lady and St Edmund Church, where participants were welcomed by Father Jamie. There they sang St Edmund’s Hymn and shared a prayer dedicated to the town’s famous saint.

The procession then continued to St Nicolas Church.

Outside, they were greeted by a group of friendly Vikings who had set up on the Market Place for the day.

The early medieval re-enactors spent the day demonstrating crafts, sharing aspects of medieval life, and showing visitors examples of weapons and equipment.

There were talks throughout the day, including one on the life and legacy of St Edmund by Will Donaldson, former chaplain of St Edmund Hall, Oxford.

Guided walks also took place. This one was the Lost Abbey Walk, led by Dr Philip Kenrick.

Music could be heard throughout the town during the day on the Market Place, with performances by different groups, alongside a piano concert at St Michael’s Church given by Marcus Gabriel Ecsegby.

There was also a talk on medieval cakes, while cakes were on sale in the Market Place. In the museum undercroft there was a wonderful spread of food — including St Edmund’s Anniversary Ale brewed by Loose Cannon Brewery of Abingdon.

The Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers also performed and appeared to be enjoying the food and St Edmund’s ale.

At St Helen’s Church there was gentler music through the day, art activities, and an exhibition of photographs by Martin Warnickier. There was a newly painted icon of St Edmund on display. That can also be seen tomorrow afternoon at St Helen’s from 12:00 – 4:00 pm.

Well done to Sally Mears and others for organising this day. There is still a ceilidh at St Michael’s Church this evening at 7 pm, and a Choral Evensong for St Edmund at St Helen’s Church at 5:30 pm on Sunday.

Abbey Hall Sale to Abbey Cinema

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The future of the Abbey Cinema in Abingdon town centre has been secured with the cinema operators purchasing the freehold of Abbey Hall from Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council.

The Town Council says the sale fulfils its commitment to retain a cinema in the town centre while saving the council the cost of maintaining the building. Maintenance costs had been estimated at between £2.5m and £3m.

For the Abbey Cinema company, led by Sue and Ian Wiper, the purchase brings certainty after operating on a series of short leases since opening in 2018. They have also restored and reopened and still run the Regal cinema in Evesham.

The change allows other projects to happen. Planned improvements include better disabled access, changes to separate the cinema from the Guildhall, improvements to the building’s appearance, and the creation of a second, smaller screen.

The cinema also hosts charity events, school projects, talks, and special screenings.

The Town Council says the deal will benefit the neighbouring Guildhall as it will access a new kitchen.

The sale involved complex legal arrangements due to conditions attached when the Town Council acquired the building from the district council, including covenants and protections covering future use of the site.

Abingdon Foodbank South Reopens

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The foodbank at Preston Road Community Centre reopened yesterday much to the relief of local people who had been missing the friendly service and support from the team.

The team are reconnecting with support agencies to make the centre as accessible as they can for those in need of the service. They have also resumed a delivery service for those who are physically impaired and who welcome a call each week from the team.

There is work to be done to restore sources of funding and donations of food, but the team say they are up for the challenge. The photograph shows some of the volunteers involved in reopening the service.

To contact the centre please use enquiries@abingdonfoodbanksouth.org.uk