Author Archives: Backstreeter

Into April in Abingdon with Flowers, Peace, Music and a Chocolate Factory

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For the most comprehensive “What’s On” guide in Abingdon, visit the Town Council’s Local Information Centre at Roysse Court (same entrance as the Registry Office). Staff are available at the desk to answer questions and provide additional details beyond what’s listed.

The Abingdon Horticultural Society Spring Show will be on at the Northcourt Centre on Saturday 29th March, 2pm – 4pm. The main event is a display of spring flowers. There are also baking, crafts and photography.

The Abingdon Peace Pole’s first Anniversary – “Let’s Build Bridges Not Walls” – will be on Saturday 5th April, 3pm – 4:30pm at St Ethelwold’s Garden (indoors if wet). There will be a short ceremony to celebrate the Peace Pole, followed by refreshments, live music, and circle dancing (weather permitting).

On 5th April at 7:30pm at St Helen’s Church there will be a concert featuring local young organists and choral music by the Helenstowe Consort.

Abingdon Operatic Society will be performing Charlie and the Chocolate Factory from 8th – 12th April, 7:30pm (Sat Matinee 2:30pm) at The Amey Theatre, Abingdon School. This is a musical stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s story. Get your Golden Ticket at www.abingdonoperatic.co.uk.

A Visit to Crossroad Grocery in Coxeters Yard, Abingdon

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Crossroad Grocery in Coxeters Yard, Abingdon, is now open seven days a week, right next door to the new fruit juice bar called Juice Corner. The grocery officially opened its doors on March 15, 2025, taking over the space once occupied by Seeneys Pet Supplies. I’m a bit late to the party with my visit,and this blog post.

The store’s got an impressive display of fresh fruit and veg. The shelves are packed with a range of goods and there is fresh bread and a meat counter.

Crossroad Grocery is run by Plamena and Biser, who also run Juice Corner. Some of their supplies come from Millets Farm.

If you’re in Abingdon, it’s worth visiting Coxeters Yard to check them out. Good luck to them.

Annual Parish Meeting – 2025

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The Annual Parish Meeting took place on March 26, 2025, from 7:00 to 9:23 p.m. in the Roysse Room, Abingdon.

Mayor Councillor Gabby Barody opened the meeting, welcoming attendees and emphasising her year’s theme of ‘inclusivity’, exemplified by the appointment of multi-faith chaplains. She reflected on key events, such as the Christmas Day Lunch at Peachcroft Christian Centre for those who might otherwise be alone, and announced a Twinning Conference from April 4–7, 2025, in Abingdon, where mayors from Abingdon’s twin towns will share experiences and strengthen connections.

Reports from the Town Council Committee Chairs followed, with full details available online at (https://www.abingdon.gov.uk/annual-parish-town-meeting-2025).

Councillor Neil Fawcett (Community Committee) discussed grants to local partnership organisations like The Abingdon Bridge, supporting young people, and Abingdon Carousel, aiding young families. He noted these partnerships deliver excellent value, achieving more than the council could alone and enabling groups to secure additional funding. He also confirmed that Fun and Music in the Park will revert to its previous format: a free morning for families followed by a paid music event, following feedback on last year’s full-day ticket model.

Councillor Colin Sanderson (Town Infrastructure) highlighted a survey of 88 bus shelters, many in poor condition, paving the way for a planned maintenance programme. He announced that repairs to town centre finger posts will begin next week. Adding bicycle racks to the Market Place is complicated by multiple stakeholders (three councils), with progress tied to a forthcoming road layout change around the area. Restoration of the Stratton Way underpass murals, the first project in the revamped public arts strategy, is also set to start soon.

Councillor Tom Greenaway (Environment and Amenities Committee) presented a report with images showcasing new exercise and playground equipment, the resurfaced Ock Valley Walk, and a flood container for sandbags. He highlighted the ‘Letters to Heaven’ postbox at Spring Road Cemetery, which gained widespread attention after going viral on social media, prompting a BBC Radio Oxford interview.

Councillor Jim Halliday (Finance, Governance and Asset Management) provided a figures-focused report, detailing a £2.24M budget for 2024/25, a £250,000 Abbey Hall roof repair (addressing asbestos and RAAC issues), and a 4.94% council tax rise for 2025/26—equivalent to £7.57 annually for a Band D household. The Abbey Hall work will be completed by March 31, 2025, allowing the Abbey Cinema to resume operations, though the hall is considered a liability, and the council is seeking legal advice on future options.

Councillor Mark Giddins (Planning) reported reviewing 144 planning applications and efforts to influence major projects, such as the South East Strategic Reservoir Option, to preserve Abingdon’s character.

Following the committee reports, Simon Hills, Chair of the Neighbourhood Planning Group, outlined the Neighbourhood Plan’s next steps: final adjustments by the Town Council following recent consultation and a recommendations report, further public consultation by Vale of White Horse District Council (VWHDC), review by a planning inspector, and a referendum. He cautioned that delays could arise due to a limited number of planning inspectors nationally.

Lucille Savin from the Abingdon Green Forum outlined the work of the Abingdon Carbon Cutters, and described the current 3 monthly focus of the Green Forum is sustainable food.

PCSO Ali Blood spoke on neighbourhood policing priorities in Abingdon, identifying the top three as tackling Violence Against Women and Girls, retail theft and fraud, and anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Penny Clover, representing the Royal British Legion, detailed plans for the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Day, including ceremonies on May 8, 2025. The Town Council has opted against a traditional Bun Throw, instead exploring a fun, bun-throwing sporting event.

Several community groups delivered excellent presentations:
* The Abingdon Bridge
* Abingdon Damascus Youth Project
* Abingdon Carousel
* Friends of Abingdon Civic Society
* Guild of Town Criers
* One Planet Abingdon and One Planet Abingdon Youth
* Oxfordshire South and Vale Citizens Advice

Christ’s Hospital (submitted a report, unable to attend)
Be Free Young Carers (submitted a report, unable to attend)

Particularly moving were talks by young people who, having benefited from The Abingdon Bridge, now support their peers, and by Kate, a young woman from One Planet Abingdon’s youth group. Their reports are available online (https://www.abingdon.gov.uk/annual-parish-town-meeting-2025).

Finally, the discussion of town affairs was brief, addressing only pre-submitted questions:

Can you help accelerate work on the Oxford Road Roundabout? The response was complex and subject to change. Thames Water encountered a legacy sewer connection issue for a new estate, missing the permitted roadwork window. Developers and Thames Water are exploring alternatives, but priority A34 works may delay progress until 2026 if the new plan affects that junction.

Why was a 20 MPH speed indicator placed on a 30 MPH stretch of Oxford Road? Oxfordshire County Council recommended this, and their reasoning was provided.

What will the Town Council do to reduce dangers and maximise opportunities from the upcoming local government reorganisation? The Town Council has begun exploring this, and are reluctant to take on more responsibilities without resources. Hester Hands, the questioner, suggested a Town Council/Neighbourhood Forum, which councillors deemed worth considering.

Repairs Needed at Upper Reaches Site

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Part of the retaining wall, and the bridge, at the Upper Reaches site in Abingdon are in need of repair to prevent further damage.

The freehold of the site is owned by Vale of White Horse District Council (VWHDC), inherited from Abingdon Borough Corporation after local government reorganization in 1974. In 1969, Abingdon Borough Council granted a 125-year lease, which still has 69 years to run. The current leaseholder, Contemporary Hotels Ltd., closed the hotel in June 2015, ten years ago, and is responsible for repairs and maintenance.

The Upper Reaches is part of the Central Abingdon Regeneration Framework (CARF), which aims to see the site redeveloped. In the past the leaseholder, through the Oxford Mail, has suggested redeveloping the site as hotel and residential. 69 years on a lease may not be seen as very long for any redevelopment, although it is a very long time for the site to remain derelict.

The lease can only be terminated early by mutual agreement between VWHDC and the leaseholder, and any plans for redevelopment need to be agreed between the lease holder and VWHDC.

The annual parish meeting is tomorrow (26/03/2025 at 19:00 – 21:00) at the Roysse Room in the Guildhall. This meeting ends with a time to ask questions about the town. Although the Town Council no longer has responsibility for the Upper Reaches they may still be asked to raise concerns with VWHDC on behalf of residents about this and other matters such as lack of progress with the unstable building on West St Helen Street.