Abingdon Museum (Theme Day Museum)

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The County Hall has dominated Abingdon Market Place since it was built between 1678 and 1682. It housed the Berkshire County Court on the first floor until all sessions were moved to Reading in 1868. It was then used for theatre, balls, lectures, and penny readings until the Corn Exchange was built in 1884 and took over these activities.

In 1928 a new use was found for the building. It became Abingdon Museum and has continued as Abingdon Museum for nearly a century.

There are permanent exhibitions of Abingdon’s long history ( Abingdon is the longest continually inhabited town in the UK, dating back to the Iron Age.) There are also temporary exhibitions so that even locals who visit a lot can find something new.

The staff are so welcoming and informative. It is open 10am – 4pm, Tuesday to Sunday & bank holidays (closed 24 December to 2 January).

City Daily Photo Theme: Museum.

Riverbank clean-up – Spring 2023

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Thank you to Anne for this report.

There was a great turnout of 42 pickers for the riverbank clean-up on Saturday, 29th April. This community activity saves rubbish from polluting the environment or being swept out to sea and causing damage to wildlife. The event was organised by Lynne Ford of Abibinit and Anne Smart from Carbon Cutters. They were joined by Abingdon Rotary members and heralded by the Town Crier.

Kingfisher Canoe Club could not join in because of the high water level, but 3 independent canoeists collected lots of rubbish.

They collected 18 bags of non-recyclable rubbish; and 5 bags of recyclables (1 of glass bottles, 2 of cans and 2 of plastic bottles.) The prize for the most unusual object went for a plastic parrot.

They reported to local councils: places where bins would help, dumped asbestos and overflowing bins in Rye Farm carpark, fly-tipping off Audlett Drive, and a wheelchair and supermarket trolley in the river near the Abbey Brass band hut.

Abibinit plans regular litter picks in different areas of the town, the next on 2nd July. See their website for details.

Local Excellence Market

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The Town Crier and many local people were at the sunny Local Excellence Market in Abingdon today.

There were 36 stalls. During 2023 there have been 77 different traders so far. They have come the following distances:
* within Abingdon = 39
* less than 5 miles = 17
* 5-10 miles = 11
* 10-30 miles = 8
* 30+ miles = 2

Natural Bread from Botley was new to the market, with a selection of sourdoughs and yeasted bread.

There was still room for tables outside Market Place cafes, and on this table were three people standing for the local elections, which are this Thursday (4th May 2023). Take a photo ID to vote.

Near the Market Place were the Abingdon Peace Group with the message for every £1 we spend reducing UK carbon emissions, we spend £7.30 on the military.

The Women’s Rights Network was highlighting the Respect My Sex Campaign, which they want to highlight to local politicians.