Flexicare held a party to celebrate their 40th birthday. Over 100 people went along — families, supporters, and team members, both present and past , including some from when the charity began in 1985.

There was party food, crafts, balloon animals, model trains, a sensory tent, and a visit from some Shetland Therapy Ponies.

Cutting the birthday cake, were two of the founders, Sara Hall and Sue Kenrick, joined by Paul, one of the first Flexicare children.

Flexicare (Oxford & Abingdon) is a charity that offers free, flexible support to families with disabled children. They provide trained sitters so that parents and carers can take a break, knowing their child is in safe hands.

St Ethelwold’s House on East St Helen Street has launched an emergency fundraising appeal after structural work revealed more serious problems than expected. Repairs were originally estimated at £40,000, but once work began, more serious problems in the Grade II listed building brought the estimate to around £140,000.

Trustees had put aside £70,000 for emergencies and future repairs. That reserve has been used up, and a further £70,000 is needed to meet the shortfall.

The appeal was launched on 1 July, and £11,000 has already been raised, thanks to early donations. But there is still a way to go. You can see how the Appeal is going by looking at the Sunflower Display in the Garden.

St Ethelwold’s is home to the Fellowship of St Ethelwold, which is run by a small staff team supported by many dedicated volunteers. The house is used by community groups for meetings, retreats, and quiet days, and its peaceful garden is open daily to everyone as a place of peace.

Those who value the presence of this quiet space in the heart of Abingdon may want to support the appeal. To donate, visit: https://ethelwoldhouse.com/news/st-ethelwolds-appeal-we-are-at-risk-please-help.

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 The Grim Dark Gaming Society who helped organise the event.