Author Archives: Backstreeter

Trinity Church Celebrates 150 Years

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On Friday, Trinity Church in Abingdon was prepared for its 150th anniversary celebrations. For the first time in many years, the north transept (top left in the photo) was opened up, creating enough space for the occasion.

Saturday saw a commemoration service. Over sixty names were read aloud, with candles lit in remembrance of those who played a part in the church’s past.

Sunday (today) was a homecoming. Former ministers and members returned, joined by friends from other churches in the area. The Mayor of Abingdon, Cllr Rawda Jehanli, led a procession that included previous ministers, local church leaders, and guests such as the great-great-grandson of John Creemer Clarke — whose vision and generosity helped establish Trinity Church 150 years ago.

The thanksgiving service involved hymns, prayers, and reflections, with many voices contributing to the celebration.

Here at the tea afterwards is the Mayor of Abingdon with Revd Malcolm Atherton, minister at Trinity from 1995–2005, and Revd Georgina Bondzi-Simpson, current minister of Trinity and All Saints.

Here Revd Paul Smith, from St Michael and All Angels, and St Nicolas Church in Abingdon, leaves a message in the visitors’ book.

Many thanks to Neil, who led much of the organisation of what was a fitting celebration.

Albert Park Through the Year: May 2025

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All the trees in Albert Park have now come fully into leaf. Elderflowers have been in bloom for much of May, and pigeons can often be seen pecking at them for long periods.

May has not been quite as bright as April, with more overcast days and even a little rain.

In the last week, many of the park’s bushes have been cut back, opening up views through the greenery on one side.

A tree has been planted in memory of Tom Robinson, who served as Park Keeper in Albert Park for over thirty years. He was often seen out and about on his tractor.

Elsewhere, a larger tree surrounded by shrubs shows a rich variety of greens and leaf shapes.

Most of the wildflowers have now been cut back, but one area remains untamed. Near the large beech with unsafe branches, where fencing was added a few years ago, an area of wild growth thrives, with elder, hawthorn, and brambles mingling.

Many afternoons and evenings, members of the bowls club can be seen playing on their well-clipped green. If you wish to try your hand at bowls, then go along on Friday evenings between 5 and 7pm and there will be somebody to help you.

Where Valerian Grows

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At Spring Road Cemetery, the grass has been left to grow, along with wildflowers such as this valerian near the edge. Valerian is thriving this year — growing on walls, beside walls, and wherever it can find a gap at an edge. Its pink or red or white flower clusters attract bees.

It was growing by a cross that is at the edge of the cemetery – so near to the edge that a hedge is swallowing it up.

New Fossil Display in Abingdon Museum Attic

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The Attic Gallery at Abingdon County Hall Museum has a new addition. Alongside the museum’s usual array of large fossilised creatures, fossil collector Dr James Etienne has unveiled his collection of locally discovered fossils for the first time.

One notable exhibit is  ‘Abby’ the Pliosaur, found near Abingdon in autumn 2023. Only the skull — complete with teeth — is currently on show, but it represents one of the most complete Pliosaurus reptiles ever uncovered from the Late Jurassic period. Excavated from local Kimmeridge Clay, ‘Abby’ lived around 150 million years ago and was a dominant marine predator.

Putting her back together is not easy. Her lower jaw came out in over 70 pieces. The body of the skeleton is being prepared and will be the subject of research by the University of Portsmouth and the University of Bristol.

Dr Etienne’s collection is on display in the Attic Gallery from 17th May to 7th September 2025 and fills several cases. There are also display boards to show what the creatures may have looked like.

The museum is run by Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council.