Abbey Buildings Pop-up Exhibition

Leave a reply


It was a surprise to find the Abbey Buildings open on Saturday.

In the Long Gallery there was a black-and-white photography exhibition accompanied by a slideshow and atmospheric music. In the Undercroft, visitors could experience a Gong Bath, where people relaxed on mats while listening to gongs and other percussion.

In the Lower Hall there was a ballet and movement workshop. Outside in the garden, a carver was at work and explained that he both practises and teaches carving for therapeutic purposes. Also in the garden were quilts and colouring books.

The open day came as a surprise because I had thought work on the Abbey Buildings refurbishment was due to begin.

The photography exhibition, The Seekers, was a free exhibition by Samantha J Ratcliff, produced as part of her MA in Photography. The project explored the stories of eight people who had found ways to reorient their lives through approaches such as alternative therapies or a closer connection with nature in response to stress. It took place in the Abbey Buildings because it was seen as a place of sanctuary.

New Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Abingdon (and outgoing Mayor)

Leave a reply


This evening at St Helen’s Church, Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council elected a new Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Cllr Andrew Skinner, became the new Mayor of Abingdon-on-Thames. Cllr Skinner represents Caldecott ward and spoke warmly about his chosen charity, the Abingdon Music Centre, praising the positive impact music can have on people’s lives.

The new Deputy Mayor is Victoria Walker, who represents the Fitzharris Wildmoor ward. She is a vaccine researcher at University of Oxford.

Cllr Rawda Jehanli completed her year as Mayor of Abingdon-on-Thames. She said it had been “the greatest honour” to be Mayor.

As outgoing Mayor, Cllr Jehanli presented a number of awards. In a change from the usual practice, two local businesses were recognised for their help and support during the year —  The Crown and Thistle Hotel and The Hilton Garden Hotel.

Awards were also presented to Philip Bingham of Abingdon Food Bank, Martin Richards of the Scouts, and Holly Freeland of The Abingdon Bridge. The outgoing Mayor also thanked her cadets and chaplains for their support throughout the year.

Cllr Jehanli announced that over £6,000 had been raised for her chosen charity, Occtopus – Oxford Colon Cancer Trust.

Revised Mini-Roundabout Plans for Fairacres Retail Park

9 Replies


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

Leave a reply


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.