460 years of Christ’s Hospital of Abingdon

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Christ's Hospital of Abingdon
To celebrate 460 years of the Charity Christ’s Hospital of Abingdon there is an exhibition at Long Alley Almshouse this weekend.
Christ's Hospital of Abingdon
In the hall, used for Governors’ meetings, there are pictures and books and manuscripts from the archives on display. The earliest book of meeting minutes, dating from 1577, is open, with a typewritten transcription alongside. There is an album showing the pictures taken by The Times Newspaper when they did a feature on almshouses in 1939. Another photo album shows Abingdon Bridge being rebuilt in 1927.
Christ's Hospital of Abingdon
In 1668 Samuel Pepys visited the Almshouses and donated half-a-crown into the poor box. The poor box is still there – opened at Christmas.
Christ's Hospital of Abingdon
Last Saturday Christ’s Hospital of Abingdon held a lunch at the Guildhall for their residents, staff and suppliers as part of their 460th anniversary celebrations.

The occasion also marked the retirement of the charity’s clerk, Chris Nutman, after ten years of service. After a very convivial lunch, Chris was driven off to enjoy his retirement in unusual fashion by Tom Robinson, the park keeper of Albert Park (run by Christ’s Hospital).

Public meeting with Minister for Planning and Development, Nick Boles, MP

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Nick Boles
Fliers have been going out to say there will be a public meeting with the minister for planning and development, Nick Boles, at 5.30 PM at the Guildhall.

Nick Boles has been invited by Nicola Blackwood MP to discuss recent planning applications, in particular the application for 160 houses in a field South of Abingdon.

That application was turned down by the district council, on officer advise, without being discussed at committee. It has been opposed by all councillors for the area, having failed to take into account the traffic in South Abingdon.

The Appeal by The Sheffield based developer, Hallam Land Management, starts on Tues 21st May at the Guildhall in Abingdon and continues for the rest of the week.

Oxfordshire Artweeks – here and now in Abingdon

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This week has been the week when Oxfordshire Artweeks has come to South Oxfordshire and Abingdon.
Oxfordshire Artweeks
The Riverly Club has works by local artists from in and around Abingdon and Didcot.
Oxfordshire Artweeks
Their preview evening (pictured in miniature above) can be seen in more detail here. The Riverly club, with its wonderful facilities, is not just open to residents of the recently built Bridge House. Local people, over a certain age, can also join.
Oxfordshire Artweeks
OLA (Our Ladies Abingdon) has a very colourful exhibition in the junior school, and further works in the senior. It is an important birthday for Alice in Wonderland (150) so a good time to celebrate with a tea party.
Oxfordshire Artweeks
Rosie’s Tea Room is displaying work produced by the Needles and Natter group who meet every Thursday morning. Anyone is welcome to go along and take their current project.
Oxfordshire Artweeks
At Saint Ethelwolds there are many fine paintings, pots, and jewellery produced by the East Saint Helen’s Group. There is also the garden with some fine tulips, and the workshop at the bottom of the garden to enjoy.

Other venues in Abingdon include:
Abingdon Wellbeing Service / MIND
Alison Jones Ceramics, Glass, Pottery
Ticia Lever Textiles
The Manor School
Catherine Pumphrey Mixed Media

See Oxfordshire Artweeks for full details.

Children’s History of Abingdon

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Sixty stories about Abingdon
At Mostly Books this evening Brother Cedric from Abingdon Abbey was there to launch his new book: Sixty spooky, strange and suprising stories about Abingdon.

Cedric has illustrated Abbey manuscripts in times gone by, but this is his first book. Cedric was drowned in 1327 trying to escape from rioting Abingdon townspeople since when he has had a lonely existence. He says in the chapter on Ghastly, Ghostly and Ghoulish Tales, that “One does not bump into other ghosts at all. It seem every spirit is on a different wavelength”

It has taken ghost writer, Judy Stubley, pictured above, to get him finally published by writing it all down.
Sixty stories about Abingdon
At Mostly Books for £6.99.