Following recent floods, part of the riverside path from the Ladygrove Estate to Tesco was badly damaged, between the Tesco perimeter and the first bridge. Repair work began in July 2025, and the path is now fully restored and open again.
Further downstream along the River Ock, near the Ladygrove Estate, a notice has been posted close to Jenyns Court, near Chaunterell Way. The Environment Agency will be carrying out enabling works for a temporary flood barrier, designed to help protect some properties from flooding. As part of the scheme, some boundary fences will also be adjusted.
Author Archives: Backstreeter
Baby Cardigans in Abingdon Market Place Highlight Civilian Deaths in Gaza
A day-long sit-in took place on Abingdon Market Place yesterday under the banner ‘This Genocide Must End.’
Protesters beat pans and hung small knitted baby cardigans. A note beside them claimed that holding a funeral every day for each child reportedly killed in Gaza during the current war would take more than 52 years. Organisers said the display was intended to keep attention on the civilian toll, especially children. A police officer spoke with demonstrators earlier in the day.
Children’s agency UNICEF has repeatedly urged all parties to stop the violence and protect civilians, warning that Gaza’s one million children face catastrophic conditions, including severe food insecurity and malnutrition.
Party on the Pitch at Abingdon Rugby Club
The Abingdon Rugby Club hosted Party on the Pitch today, organised by the Royal British Legion with support from the Town Council. Instead of the traditional bun throw from the County Hall, this year there was a team bun-throwing competition. Each throw earned 1–4 points depending on distance, with scores added together.
Stalls were run mainly by veterans’ organisations, alongside games such as welly wanging, a catapult challenge, and Bunga Bog Roll – a street-party favourite from Exbourne Road, where players throw toilet rolls into a toilet kindly donated by Abingdon Kitchens and Bathrooms.
Other attractions included a rifle range and a jeep for children to explore.
The Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers also made an appearance on their way to Wootton and Dry Sandford for The WADS Fest. They are joined here by a Town Crier making his first appearance in green robes.
Music was provided by Abbey Brass.
The Mayor of Abingdon, Councillor Rawda Jehanli, presented prizes to the bun-throwing winners, joined by her cadets and Penny Clover, who had led much of the organisation and is also a Town Crier. The winning team of three – all former Larkmead students, two soon heading to university after strong A-level results – received golden tickets to throw buns at the next official bun throw. A separate prize went to the female competitor with the furthest throw.
The event was well run and publicised, though attendance was lower than expected.
VJ Day 80 Commemorated in Abingdon
2025 marks the 80th anniversaries of VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) on 8 May and VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day) on 15 August. A VJ Day 80 flag flew at the Royal British Legion in Abingdon to mark today’s occasion.
At noon, members of the Legion, dignitaries, and the public gathered at the War Memorial for a ceremony. The Town Crier opened proceedings, followed by a member of the Royal British Legion who read the Exhortation, ‘They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old…’.
Two minutes’ silence was then observed.
The first wreaths at the memorial were laid by the Mayor of Abingdon and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire,
followed by a veteran and representatives from other organisations.
This evening, between 6:30 and 7:00 pm, the bells of St Nicolas Church rang out as part of the anniversary commemorations. (Video of bell ringing at https://www.youtube.com/shorts/G14FbGzUOL0)