Author Archives: Backstreeter

Farewell to Deacon Selina

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It’s part of church life that ministers and deacons come to serve for a time, and then are called to move on. After ten years in Abingdon, supporting both All Saints and Trinity churches, Deacon Selina has touched the lives of many within the churches and far beyond. (Revd Georgina, seen here with her, has recently arrived.)

Selina became more widely known in the town when she served as chaplain to Mayor Gwyneth Lewis and championed the Mayor’s chosen cause, Reducing the Risk, a charity supporting those affected by domestic abuse. She led the Civic service and helped at the town’s Remembrance Service and the Fair Service, and supported many individuals in ways that only they will know.

Yesterday, a farewell service was held for her at Trinity. It was a joyful occasion that reflected the breadth of her ministry

Attendance: 114 adults and 10 children
Collection: £385.55 raised for Reducing the Risk

The service featured a diverse selection of music chosen by Selina, from a Māori love song (Pokarekare Ana), to a Zambian blessing, an 18th-century hymn, a farewell song composed by the Toddler Group, and a lively children’s song with actions (Our God is a Great Big God).

Revd Keith Underhill described Selina as being like an iceberg: the congregation saw just a small part of her ministry — leading services, baptisms, and funerals and church groups but much more happened beneath the surface. She supported schools, advocated for people in court, and was a compassionate presence for individuals going through difficult times. One person said how her mum lit up when she talked with them about what mattered to them.

There were refreshments, and a large cake to be cut in the Conduit Centre afterwards, and presentations from All Saints, Trinity, and the Wantage and Abingdon Methodist Circuit. Now it is time for Selina to take the next step in her journey. She leaves with our thanks and prayers.

Fun and Music (and a Little Rain) in the Park

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It began with rain — a rare sight and, while welcome for the thirsty grass, not ideal for the morning of Fun in the Park. Thankfully, by lunchtime the skies cleared and warmer weather arrived just in time for a picnic held by members of Host Abingdon. They are seen behind Deputy Mayor, Councillor Andrew Skinner.

Throughout the day, between showers and sunny spells, entertainment continued on the stage. The Project Band performed during the lunchtime lull in the rain.

Food stalls, drink vendors, and a variety of community groups were out in force — including the Abingdon Town Amateur Boxing Club, who had a stall to promote their work.

Fun in the Park concluded mid-afternoon, making way for Music in the Park, a ticketed event (free for under 18s, £12.50 for adults). A light drizzle returned just as Country Bound took to the stage.

Councillor Neil Fawcett introduced the acts. He described The Undercovers — who played two lively and well-known sets — as ‘one of the best things to come out of Abingdon.’

The crowd agreed, dancing and singing along. Lead singer George gave a shout-out to Your Life Your Choice, where she volunteers, and several members of that group were among the audience.

Bringing the evening to a close were New Jovi, a Bon Jovi tribute band who gave it everything — from Livin’ on a Prayer to You Give Love a Bad Name.

Boots Hearingcare Coming Soon to Bury Street, Abingdon

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A new Boots Hearingcare branch is being worked on in Bury Street, Abingdon. Signs in the window announce ‘A World of Hearing – Coming Soon.’

This will be the third Boots branded shop on Bury Street, with a pharmacy and optician already further along the precinct.

The arrival of the hearing centre adds to a growing number of health and wellbeing shop fronts in the town centre. I heard recently, on the radio, that there is a trend nationally for more Health and wellbeing shops and more cafes in place of traditional shops.