There’s a bike up a tree near the library. Its has been up there for a couple of days now.
It could be that some young people have put it up there at the end of the school holidays.
But could it be an art installation nobody has told us about. The cycle of life perhaps
Or an example of extreme cycle parking.
You may know better.
Here is the view of Carswell School from Bostock Road. The children are back today.
The photograph above is from sometime in the mid 1930s. It shows Class 5 at the old Council School – now Carswell School. Among the children is Leslie Argyle, who was born in Abingdon in 1927. He became very well known in Abingdon as Mayor of Ock Street for many years and acted as a steward at Trinity Church for over 50 years.
Nearly ninety years later, the school is still doing what it was doing then. The external building has not changed that much. Inside, they may have computers and whiteboards rather than blackboards and chalk. But I wonder what the biggest change is.
The South Aisle is the fifth and final aisle to have been built at St Helen’s Church. It was built in 1539 by Katherine Audlett, a wealthy local widow, to provide a place to rebury her husband John Audlett, who had been originally buried in Abingdon Abbey Church in 1537. [1]
The connection with the Audlett family can still be seen in the aisle. Its roof is dated 1539 and bears the initials K.A. and I.A., representing Katherine and John Audlett.
Abingdon Abbey was dissolved in 1538. The new South Aisle was being built at that time. Archaeological research suggests that it is feasible that stone from the demolished Abbey Church was reused in the construction of the aisle. So, when looking at the stonework of the South Aisle from East St Helen Street, you may be looking at stones that once formed part of the Abingdon Abbey Church. [2]
References
[1] St Helen’s Church, Abingdon, A Short Guide and Tour of St Helen’s Church, section on
the fifth aisle. St Helen’s Church Guide
[2] Oxford Archaeology, St Helen’s Church, Abingdon, archaeological assessment, 2012. Oxford Archaeology report
There wasn’t that much on event-wise in August, but now September has arrived there is enough to put together a What’s On in Abingdon. This did not involve a lot or research. I have probably missed a lot.
Thursday 3 September – The Lost Notes
7.15pm, St Helen’s Church
The Lost Notes, a five-piece Folk/UK-Americana band from Moseley, Birmingham, bring their show to St Helen’s Church. The band, who have been featured on BBC Introducing, are known for their three-part vocal harmonies. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets £15.
Thursday 3 September – How Awkward: An Evening of Improvised Comedy
8pm, The Tipsy Mercer, High Street
The Awkward Actors bring their comedy show back to Abingdon every month. Every scenario is created on the spot from audience suggestions, so the show is different every time. Tickets £5.
Saturday 5 September – Abingdon Healthfest
10am–2pm, Market Place
A chance to meet local groups working to improve health and wellbeing in Abingdon. There will be information, advice and activities from organisations including Healthy Abingdon, Abingdon Parkrun, the Green Gym, local cycling groups, Age UK Oxfordshire, Healthwatch Oxfordshire and others.
Saturday 5 September – Autumn Show
2–4pm, Northcourt Centre, Northcourt Road
The Abingdon Horticultural Society holds its Autumn Show, with flowers, plants, vegetables and fruit on display. Refreshments available. Admission £2.
Sunday 6 September – Abbey Brass & Acappella Harmonies Annual Concert
2pm, Trinity Church, Conduit Road
Enjoy an afternoon of music from two Abingdon ensembles – Abbey Brass Band and Acappella Harmonies. Doors open at 1.30pm.
Sunday 6 September – Piano Recital
3pm, St Michael and All Angels’ Church, Park Road
Acclaimed Austria-based concert pianist performs music by Bach, Schumann and Debussy. Huw has family links to Abingdon and has performed here previously. Tickets £15. Refreshments available.
Saturday 12 September – Stand Up in Abingdon
7pm, The Amey Theatre
WCB Comedy presents an evening of stand-up comedy headlined by Rory Bremner, known for his political satire and impressions. He is joined by Ross Smith and Tal Davies, with Justin Panks as MC.