Author Archives: Backstreeter

Lucca – Abingdon’s Twin Town

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We planned a holiday in Tuscany in the spring of 2020. Covid closed down North Italy before anywhere in Europe. So this was a postponed trip.

Giacomo Puccini was born in Lucca. His house forms part of the Lucca tourist trail.

I filmed this man, who could play the cello and sing, singing “Nessun Dorma”, an aria from Puccini’s opera Turandot.

It was a lively place with a hubbub outside our window on the Via Roma until midnight.

On Sunday morning, along with many local people, we walked around the ramparts of the old Roman town of Lucca. Some walked, some jogged, others cycled, some singly, a lot on hired four-person pedaloes. There were some great views.

But then, at one point, about 150 Vespa-style motorcycles came by, led by Vespa Club Lucca. They were joined by Vespas from other towns, with a lot of waving and beeping of horns.

We also visited Lucca Cathedral, where some famous artworks can be viewed. There were also visitors on bikes.

There are a lot of churches in Lucca. Abingdon used to have a lot of pubs. Lucca still has a lot of church buildings. This one, near the Catherdral, had an exhibition with trees and roots turned into art.

There is an oval-shaped area based on a Roman Amphitheatre in Lucca. People were eating and drinking all the way around. Lucca does seem to be a fascinating historical and cultural place. We only had a day and a half in Lucca. In hindsight, more time in Lucca and less in Florence.

William Booth visits Abingdon

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The other day I looked through the photo album Lesley Argyle left in the Trinity Church archives and found the picture of William Booth. He founded the Salvation Army and was visiting Abingdon.

I won’t be able to do the blog for a few days. Back about the 14th of June.

4th day of Jubilee Celebrations in Abingdon – ending with a bun throw

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Today began with street parties (Exbourne Road pictured).

There were also after church parties (Abingdon Baptist Church pictured). At church, it was a day to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of the Queen and Pentecost (the church’s birthday).

Then at 5 pm in Abingdon, there was a bun throw. Here are pictures with rhymes to capture this event.

Abingdon Bun Throw – 70th Jubilee

The crowd has taken every space.
They overflow the Market Place.

Sons and daughters, dads and mums:
Chant as one: We want buns!

Councillors and civic graces
Look down upon the sea of faces –

St Nic’s church bells start to ring.
Dignatories start to fling.

Currant buns dot the sky,
Speeding up from on high.

One plummets down. You nearly catch it,
Someone taller leaps to snatch it.

A wild bun hits you on the head,
And bounds to someone else instead.
One final bun falls a tumbling.
One last try, no more fumbling:

You’ve got a 70 on that bun.
I have to say, ‘That is well done!’

Third day of Jubilee

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It was back to Rye Farm Meadow for the third day of the Jubilee Meadow Festival. It started off with rain,

but then came sunshine in the afternoon, which attracted bigger crowds.

Some sports clubs gave people the chance to try out their sports. Abingdon Hockey Club meets at Tilsley Park. Their pre-season begins on the 17th of August and people can try 3 sessions for free. The website is http://abingdonhockey.org.uk/.

Abingdon Rowing Club runs an adult beginner course in early Summer to provide people with a taster in rowing. They also had a rowing machine to show the basics, which, if I remember correctly, are: legs push, keep back straight and lean back, then arms pull. It is about training the muscle memory (legs, back, arms).

Mr Punch was there on the hour to show the children ‘”That’s the way to do it!”

There was also a spotted dog that the children recognised, there for Abingdon Carousel who were giving out yellow balloons.

Inside the Marquee, The Rock Choir began the day’s entertainment. The Rock Choir rehearse in over 300 towns nationwide, including Abingdon. Their website is https://rockchoir.com/.

Ashnah also danced in the Marquee and I caught them afterwards for a posed shot. Their performance on stage was so mesmerising all I got was a blur.

On the outside stage were the Abingdon Music Centre Community Choir.