Christ Church – Greener Buildings


Christ Church, Northcourt, Abingdon, has received a £144,000 grant for its decarbonisation project. Work began on January 27th and is expected to be completed by the end of February.

The project includes the installation of air source heat pumps, solar panels and batteries, new insulation and lighting, suspended ceilings, and new double-glazed windows for improved energy efficiency.

During the project, approximately 40 groups and hirers have been temporarily relocated or have paused their meetings. Scaffolding has been erected, and the lounge, upper room, hall, and vestry have been inaccessible. Groups will return to warmer and more comfortable rooms. The project will also reduce the site’s carbon footprint by 25%. It also addresses the long-standing challenge of heating the hall during colder months.

The Lens of Love


Today was the 14th of February – Valentine’s Day. For some, the world was seen through a lens of love.

Some may have been tempted to get an engagement ring because Robert Gatward Jewellers had 50% off.

In the shed window, hearts formed a red trail, guiding people inside to find something special.

A cascade of hearts in Masons’ window tempted crafters to make their own Valentine’s Card.

Acacia had been brightened by a red Valentine’s display.

But as the afternoon wore on, love gave way to mischief. Acacia moved onto their next adventure with Alice in Wonderland: ‘We’re All Mad Here!’

A Community Noticeboard where lots of events come together


If you are walking past the window of Howden, you’ll notice in one window a colourful community noticeboard.

For the next week or so, here are some of the events and happenings to check out:

The Studio Theatre Club presents Anton Chekhov’s classic play, The Cherry Orchard, at the Unicorn Theatre.

The Abingdon Area Archaeology and History Society will host a talk on The Archaeological Excavations at Wittenham Clumps. Discover the fascinating findings of a 2,700-year-old Iron Age blacksmith’s workshop, a cluster of roundhouses, and more.

An event at St Ethelwolds will explore common themes across different faiths. “The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.” said – Baháʼu’lláh (a central figure in the Baháʼí Faith).

On another board, outside Mostly Books, bestselling author Jojo Moyes will be speaking at Trinity Church, discussing her latest novel – We All Live Here.

RIP Red


Red’s presence could not be ignored — his deep, bellowing voice, unfiltered and booming across the streets; his warm greetings to complete strangers; his tattooed face and hair dyed red.

Pirate or Red, he lived a life half on water, half on land. His narrowboat was camouflaged with a tarpaulin, flying a pirate flag on the Thames.

A familiar figure on the benches of Abbey Gardens, he shared long hours with friends. He was hired as security at a supermarket during the fair — a presence both trusted and intimidating. I heard he was a keen gardener, proud of his small patch of green. A man who knew suffering yet still helped others. On his Facebook page, he shared a quote: “The depth of your spiritual awakening is very much connected to the amount of darkness and pain you’ve gone through in your life …”

For the last decade and a half, he had been an Abingdon fixture since buying a narrowboat and moving here to start a new life. Somebody once did a video documentary of his previous life on YouTube but I don’t think its there any more. There was kindness and chaos — many saw a friendly soul, some found him threatening. In recent months, people wondered where he had gone. There were rumours about his health.

In the last few days, those rumours turned to news of his death, confirmed by an article in the Oxford Mail.

Those who knew him will remember him in their own way — but no one will forget him.

P.S. I must have a picture of him somewhere but used this one of red tulips in the Abbey Gardens where he often sat.