Monthly Archives: May 2016

Hope Within Us – Tour of St Helen’s Church

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‘The Hope Within Us’ events took place last week – organised by the churches of the Parish of Abingdon-on-Thames.
St Helens Church
On Saturday there were two tours of St Helen’s Church.
St Helens Church
Many Abingdon people, from generation to generation, have made their first visit to the church on being baptised at the font.
St Helens Church
The present building began as a one aisle church, with tower, in the early thirteenth century. Four more aisles were then added to the south – the fifth and final aisle in 1539. The central aisle was subsequently made higher in Victorian times to let in more light.
St Helens Church
The west door though the central aisle is used for other important life events. It is through this door that couples enter to be married, and from this door people are carried on their final goodbye.
St Helens Church
Over that door St Helen is seen carrying a model of the St Helen’s Church in one hand, and a cross in the other. The Fraternity of the Holy Cross was based at St Helen’s church until being dissolved by royal decree in 1547.

ABIN GDON JAZZ FEST IVAL

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ABIN GDON JAZZ FEST IVAL
This week has seen the first Abingdon Jazz Festival organised by Friends of Abingdon, and Music at the Unicorn.
ABIN GDON JAZZ FEST IVAL
Abingdon’s own Big Band, SwingTime, a 20-piece Big Band, performed on Friday evening at the Unicorn Theatre. A lot of the acts were at the Unicorn Theatre.
ABIN GDON JAZZ FEST IVAL
There were also jazz acts out and about round Abingdon, including the Claire Jones Quintet at The Crown & Thistle …
ABIN GDON JAZZ FEST IVAL
The Fleur Stevenson Trio under the museum,
ABIN GDON JAZZ FEST IVAL
Funk Bake at the Brewery Tap,
ABIN GDON JAZZ FEST IVAL
and, featuring the Garden Kitchen Menu, at the Nags Head were the Mim Gray, Tim Dawes and Tim Lapthorn Ensemble.

Democracy on the Market Place

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Democracy
This picture shows a traditional scene, where four of Abingdon’s five candidates for the 1945 parliamentary election are seen holding simultaneous meetings on the Market Square (from a Picture Post currently on sale in Ebay).
Democracy
Opposing sides in the 2016 Referendum on Britain’s membership of the EU had opposing tables on the Market Place this morning.
Democracy
The Vote Leave campaigners one side …
Democracy
the Vote Remain on the other. It is good to see the normal political groupings forgotten during this single-issue campaign. Behind the Remain table are local Conservative MP, Nicola Blackwood, and members of other parties and independents

2nd Abingdon Sea Scouts – Fund Raising Walk

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Sea Scouts
John Gledhill, the Leader of the 2nd Abingdon Sea Scouts, will be attempting to walk the entire length of the Ridgeway National Trail on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (20th, 21st and 22nd May) – a distance of 86 miles to raise funds for his scout troop. The JustGiving page is at: https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/2ab-ridgeway-challenge

The 2nd Abingdon Sea Scouts are a Royal Navy recognised troop of 10 – 14 year olds. Leaders aim to provide the young people with opportunities and challenges that many wouldn’t get elsewhere. The money raised, as well as money raised by scouts themselves over the summer, will enable them to visit, and take part in scouting activities, with a scout troop in Italy.

(photo taken at Clubs and Societies Day)