Abingdon Events: Music, Murder, Beer and Books

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For those of you following the Abingdon Passion Play 2024, there is an opportunity to hear some of the music for the play. On 21st April, at 5.30 pm, the Choir of St. Helen’s will perform “Music and Readings for Easter”, followed by the Abingdon Passion Play Singers, directed by Sally Mears.

At the Abingdon Library authors event in April, Peter Tickler will be talking about his new crime novel: The Tickler’s Jam Murders.  Peter previously talked about his next project, combining a murder story with his own family history. This is the finished product!

2024, is the 80th anniversary of the Friends of Abingdon saving the Abbey Buildings  in 1944 and founding the trust that owns, maintains and cares for them on behalf of the community. The Beer Festival is one way to raise money to improve the Abbey Buildings.

At Mostly Books there are two more events in April:

Thursday 25th April: Georgina Moore in conversation with Becky Hunter

Georgina Moore’s novel, “The Garnett Girls” is out in paperback. The novel is about the Garnett sisters, Rachel, Imogen and Sasha, and the impact of their parents’ passionate but doomed love affair on their lives. Each sister is struggling with their own challenges, but their mother’s silence about the past is preventing them from finding happiness.

Saturday 27th April: The Gruffalo’s 25th Birthday Party!
SOLD OUT.

Loveliest of trees, the cherry now

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Walking into the Abbey Gardens, first you see Magnolia

and then a line of trees in blossom.

Loveliest of trees, the cherry now
Is hung with bloom along the bough
(from Shropshire Lad by A E Houseman)

The Abbey Grounds are transformed into a wonderland of white.

Trees, both near the Cattle Market Carpark and around Abbey House, are hung with blooms. The small leaves are just appearing.

Even yesterday’s strong winds haven’t marred this yet. The trees are at the height of a Spring celebration.

Family Unit and Female Flight

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While walking along the River Thames in the countryside beyond Swift Ditch, I spotted my first ducklings of the year. They paddled close together behind their mother, forming a cohesive family unit.

On my way home, near the open-air pool on the Millstream, I saw a group of ducks engaged in what appeared to be mating behaviour. There were males crowding around a single female! She eventually broke free and took flight, with a couple of the males in pursuit.

Abingdon Spring Show

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The Abingdon Horticultural Society’s Spring Show was a vibrant display of local gardening expertise. Mayor Councillor Gwyneth Lewis presented awards to the winners, having been warmly welcomed by Society Chairman David Bingley.

Charlton Park Garden Centre, the show’s sponsor, provide support. This Wantage-based garden centre also offers a regular stall at Abingdon Market every Monday.

The competition included various categories of spring blooms and houseplants. This year’s tulips were particularly impressive. There were also handicraft and cookery competitions.

Founded in 1885, the Abingdon Horticultural Society has a long history of nurturing local gardeners. Learn more about the society and its upcoming events at https://www.abingdon-hort-soc.org.uk/.

Abingdon town centre was brightened today by people collecting for the Marie Curie charity, who provide support at the end of life, whether at home or in hospices.