Author Archives: Backstreeter

The First Day of Spring in Abingdon


The first day of spring brought blue skies and sunshine to Abingdon. People went outdoors to enjoy the town’s riverside beauty. Signs of the changing season were everywhere. Cherry blossoms from a fallen tree still bloomed and added colour to this view of Abingdon Bridge and The Nags Head pub.

Yellow daffodils near the water’s edge brightened the view of Abingdon Bridge and The Riverside Cafe – a popular spot for those wanting a coffee and cakes or lunch with a view.

From another angle, the spire of St Helen’s Church rose above The Riverside Cafe.

Cherry trees also bloomed near the Old Gaol.

For people who did not have to work  there was a chance to slow down and enjoy the beauty of the first day of Spring in Abingdon, the vernal equinox, when day and night are of nearly equal length. Although up to recently I used to think it was March 21st.

Experience Easter 2025


Trinity Learning has a number of workshops for children aged 7 to 11 telling the Easter Story. Thousands of children have enjoyed these workshops since they started back in 2010. Over 300 are visiting this week in person at Trinity Church, and others can see videos online.

Trinity church has been laid out to show the different scenes. The children gather outside in the welcome area and are then led into the church with the exciting sounds of praise as Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a Donkey. They take part in the last supper where Jesus washed the disciples feet, onto the crucifixion where Jesus gave his life and then his resurrection.

Storytellers from different churches in Abingdon take children through the scenes which are part story and part interaction – like washing hands (instead of feet), sharing bread, and making beaded strings to think of people who are going through a difficult time.

They learn about important things like hope (even when things are hard), and caring about other people’s feelings. The Trinity Learning website is at https://trinitylearning.org.uk/. To request a password to watch the videos, email: nic.trinitylearning@gmail.com .

Former Charter Day Centre building back in limited use


The Strong & Stable free seated exercise class, which previously met at Unit 24, will now take place at the former Charter Day Centre building. The building was last used, as far as I know, for Covid-19 vaccinations. Plans for it to be used by a learning disabilities and autism charity did not go ahead. The Charter Day Centre closed in October 2017, but it will now see some limited use.

Dazzled by the County Hall


The County Hall Museum is well lit tonight.

The spot lights, installed in 2011 during a refurbishment, were failing. Spare parts were a problem. The sealed units — like submarine portholes — kept out the rain but also kept out easy maintenance.

Now it looks like Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council have arranged for new spot lights around the County Hall. The building looks dazzling. The pavements are also dazzling if you look down.