New Pub Opens in Abingdon

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A new pub, the Earl of Abingdon, opened its doors last night in the town centre.

Located in the Coxeters building, the Earl occupies half of the downstairs space. Another part is being converted into a higher-end bar called the Countess, with separate entrance, which is expected to open by the end of November for Christmas functions.

The Earl features a large bar area with screens.

There is also a separate lounge area equipped with electronics, and a dartboard that can be used for quizzes. There are no plans for Strattons style nightclub.

The Earl is being operated by the same team that previously ran the Grapes pub. The Grapes has a planning application for a partial rebuild and renovation, including the addition of accommodation and a reconfiguration of the bar area. So that is one for the future.

A ‘Big Step Forward’ with ‘Ambitious’, ‘Innovative’, ‘Ground-Breaking’ Joint Local Plan

A plan for the future of South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse, the first joint plan, is now ready for six weeks of public review. It plans for housing, jobs, and infrastructure needs up to 2041 and will supersede the existing separate plans that go to 2031.

The plan prioritises existing developments, protecting greenfield sites. The only proposed expansion is at Dalton Barracks near Abingdon owned by the Ministry of Defence.

Council leaders are very enthusiastic in their press release.

Councillor Bethia Thomas (Vale of White Horse): “It’s a big step forward for our communities that we’re at this stage earlier than anticipated…”

Councillor David Rouane (South Oxfordshire): “We’re one step closer to adopting this ground-breaking plan with policies such as increasing the proportion of affordable housing on large sites…”

Councillor Anne-Marie Simpson (South Oxfordshire): “This is an ambitious and innovative plan…”

Councillor Andy Foulsham (Vale of White Horse): “I’m proud of this plan and how it looks to tackle the climate emergency…”

Visit https://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/vale-of-white-horse-district-council/planning-and-development/local-plan-and-planning-policies/local-plan-2041/ to review the Joint Local Plan and submit your comments before November 12th.

National Poetry Day at Abingdon Library

Jess, the librarian at Abingdon Library, hosted a National Poetry Day event featuring readings from three published poets: Andrew Jamison, Fiona Perry, and Daniel Sluman.

Local group Ock Poets also contributed to the event, with Jacquie Shanahan and other members sharing their work. The event was a sell-out, culminating in a good audience discussion at the end. Chris, a librarian, who helped Jess run the evening, also bravely read a poem he had written.

A tree has been set up in the library, inviting visitors to write a short extract from a favourite poem.

Abingdon Events: Faith, Music, and a Giant Fun Fair

Quakers around the world are celebrating the 400th anniversary of the birth of their faith’s founder, George Fox. In Abingdon, the local Quaker meeting is marking this milestone with a special meeting at St Ethelwold’s House. Visitors are invited to experience firsthand the quiet, contemplative nature of a Quaker meeting and enjoy a celebratory cake in honour of Fox’s birthday.

Enjoy two exciting classical music concerts this autumn at St Michael’s Church in Abingdon!

Concert 1 (Oct 6): Renowned pianist Huw Rhys James returns with a program featuring works by Haydn, Chopin, and Brahms.
Concert 2 (Oct 20): Local Pavlova Winds performs music by Holst and Hindemith.
Tickets are £12 for adults and £10 for concessions, with free entry for accompanied children under 16. Purchase tickets at the door or online:

Huw Rhys James piano recital: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/DTWR
Pavlova Winds concert: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/DTWT

Proceeds will support the church.

Abingdon’s historic Michaelmas Fair transforms the town centre and Ock Street from Sunday to Tuesday. It has already transformed the meadow by the Ock Bridge as some rides and caravans got here early.

Peter Foster leads a group of eight singers on a musical journey through the history of St. Helen’s Church. Moving through the five aisles, the singers will perform a diverse repertoire reflecting the different eras of the building, from Saxon to Victorian.

Proceeds from this event will be shared between St. Helen’s Church and Helen and Douglas House.