Author Archives: Backstreeter

Painting Abingdon Pink – Against Breast Cancer

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The Market Place turned bright pink on Saturday for Paint Abingdon Pink, a community day in support of Against Breast Cancer. By noon, the temperature had reached 31°C, but the event carried on with music, stalls, and pink-themed happenings. Most people sensibly kept to the shade of trees and gazebos. The Abingdon Rock Choir were first on stage, opening the day with their harmonies.

The Town Crier, with pink hair grown specially for the day, made his way around town announcing the day’s events and drawing attention to the cause.

Visitors could browse a wide range of stalls, including Fiona Frost Cakes, where a protective net kept off the wasps attracted by her decorated bakes.

The AbiBinit team were out litter-picking as part of their mission to help keep Abingdon clean and tidy and in the pink.

At the Community Canvas, people of all ages left handprints and marks on a collaborative artwork. The finished piece will be displayed in the Abingdon Museum for a month.

The Abingdon Wookie roamed the square, bringing smiles to children and Star Wars fans alike. But with the heat rising, even Wookies have their limits and he/she didn’t stay all day.

Members of the UK Garrison (501st Legion) of Star Troopers also made an appearance, posing for photos. Around midday, a swirling performance by the belly dancers added even more heat to the square. Here they are unwinding afterwards with members of the Garrison.

Captain Kuppa T and crew brought a steampunk twist, combining familiar songs with zany humour.

As the temperature soared in the afternoon, the energy didn’t drop. The Undercovers delivered an electrifying set of pop favourites and will be back again next weekend for Music in the Parks.

They were followed by the raw sound of Doug Graves and the Sextons. Both bands drew a  crowd despite the heat.

Throughout the day, volunteers—some riding pelicans—helped raise money for Against Breast Cancer, a charity based in Abingdon. The charity is making exciting progress, with a new treatment developed at the University of Southampton showing promise in tackling early-stage breast cancer. Every pound raised helps push the research forward, and days like this raise awareness just as much as they raise funds.

Thanks also go to those at Paws and Play @ Willows who helped organise the event.

Alias Smith and Jones: W H Smith rebranded as TG Jones on Bury Street

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W H Smith in Bury Street has now been rebranded as TG Jones.

The name may have changed, but the shop continues to sell books, stationery, and cards.

The W H Smith high street business was taken over by Modella Capital. On July 1st they began rebranding stores under the new name.

‘TG Jones’ has a similar look, with its blue background, two initials and traditional British surname. William Henry Smith was a real person. TG Jones is an alias.

Abbey Gardens in the Heat

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We are into another hot spell in Abingdon, and the grass in the Abbey Gardens has faded to the same sandy colour as the path.

The Indian Bean Tree, with its oversized leaves and exotic flowers, has just finished its brief flowering. The trees are still green and contrast to the dry grass below.

Canna lilies are beginning to flower, rising above the snapdragons in the formal beds.

In the wilder corners on both sides near the hotel, there’s a drift of taller plants and flowers that insects clearly prefer to the formal beds.

Have Your Say on New Parking Proposals in Abingdon

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Oxfordshire County Council is currently consulting on two proposed on-street parking schemes in Abingdon: one for the North Central area, which includes the Fitzharris and Workhouse Estates, and one for the Ock Street area. These proposals follow feedback from an informal consultation with residents in November 2024. The current consultation is open until 1st August 2025.

The schemes aim to address all-day parking by non-residents and congestion caused by school traffic, which can make parking and access difficult for those living in the areas.

Under the proposals:

  • Resident-only parking areas would be introduced, with permits available for residents to purchase. There would be exemptions for carers and some services
  • Some areas near shops would allow shared use: residents with permits can park, and non-permit holders can park for up to 2 hours free.
  • A small area outside Trinity Church and near Edward Street shops, would allow up to 4 hours free parking with or without a permit.

Residents in these areas would need to buy permits, as is already the case in central Abingdon. In the central Abingdon scheme, permit income helps cover enforcement costs, including the employment of traffic wardens. I would expect a similar model in the new zones.

You can view and respond to the consultations here: