A short tribute to Penny McDougall

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Penny McDougall
A fuller tribute is printed in this week’s Herald.

Yesterday was the funeral at St Helen’s Church of Penny McDougall – an Abingdon-on-Thames town councillor, who died unexpectedly just over a week ago. These pictures were at last year’s bun throwing.
Penny McDougall
Penny was described as a dedicated mum, and grandmother, who for two years became a councillor and dedicated some of her great energies to improving Abingdon – in which role she was described as a breath of fresh air.

At the funeral her youngest son read a poem which his mum had chosen …

…Tomorrow is not promised to anyone,
young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance
you get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you’re waiting for tomorrow,
why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes,
you’ll surely regret the day,

That you didn’t take that extra time
for a smile, a hug, or a kiss
and you were too busy to grant someone,
what turned out to be their one last wish…

Author Unknown

Lodge Hill Garage celebrates the UK’s transport heritage at its finest

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UK transport heritage
Lodge Hill Garage were taking part in the annual Drive It Day, yesterday, where classic vehicle owners across the country are encouraged to drive their vehicles for a day to celebrate the UK’s transport heritage at its finest.
UK transport heritage
The forecourt was full of enthusiasts with their cars enjoying the food and drinks. Lodge Hill Garage are raising money towards a permanent memorial to commemorate the lives of the brave female ATA pilots of World War 2.
UK transport heritage
George Haslam, more usually to be seen improvising jazz on Baritone Sax and Tarogato, is seen here with his Jaguar. He said the day was a great success with far more vehicles than previous years.

Spring Cycle Festival 2013

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Spring Cycle Festival 2013
The Abingdon Spring Cycle Festival, run by Freewheeling, was a huge success with a large number of rides for people with varying ability and experience. There was also some track racing in the Abbey Grounds this afternoon for younger riders.
Spring Cycle Festival 2013
The Mayor, Councillor Monica Lovatt, came along to wish everybody well. This morning she was also on BBC Radio Oxford talking about Abingdon-on-Thames to presenter Bill Heine, along with Andrew Wright who runs the new We Love Abingdon website. Radio Oxford have been featuring Abingdon all week and were at the Farmers Market on Friday (with DJ Malcolm Boyden).
Spring Cycle Festival 2013
Riders came from as far away as Rome and as near as Abingdon Police Station. These two young policemen were taking part in one of the longer road rides.
Spring Cycle Festival 2013
All three Abingdon Bike shops took part: Outdoor Traders Cycle Club led a ride to see the White Horse in Uffington.
Spring Cycle Festival 2013
Pedal Power were there. And Behind Bars had a large stall for helping you look after your bike.
Spring Cycle Festival 2013
After the riding was over there were bands playing, refreshments, and treatment for aching muscles.

The event looked bigger than ever this year. One of the organisers told me that Abingdon was an amazing place, just in the way so many organisations and people come along to help.