The Clarks shoe shop on Bury Street closes today (April 22nd, 2024). This follows the recent closures of Clarks branches in Newbury, Maidenhead, and Windsor. However, Clarks will remain open in Didcot and Oxford.
So we don’t have a shoe shop in Abingdon anymore.
Alan Fisher, Sue Hargreaves, and Bob Strachan were awarded long service badges this week for their outstanding commitment to the Poppy Appeal.
Each of the trio has dedicated 15 years to the cause and has collectively raised thousands of pounds for the Poppy Appeal.
Alan Fisher, single-handedly covering Abingdon’s house-to-house collections, walks 10 miles over the two-week collection period. He collected £94.21 in his first year and £1,000 this year.
Sue Hargreaves goes above and beyond collection duties. She meticulously cleans all the poppy tins, distributes them throughout Abingdon, collects them after the campaign, and counts the donations.
An 84-year-old veteran, Bob Strachan is a familiar sight in Abingdon’s town centre with his collection tin. Last year alone, Bob raised a remarkable £1,800, and he has set an ambitious target of £2,000 for this year.
Bob Griffiths also received recognition for his invaluable contribution. Bob is responsible for organizing the wreaths for Abingdon.
‘These collectors never fail to amaze me with their dedication,’ said Clare Oldfield, Abingdon Poppy Appeal organiser. ‘Their commitment is truly humbling and inspiring. I would also like to acknowledge the incredible generosity of Abingdon residents, whose contributions over the past eight years have totalled more than a third of a million pounds.’
Interested in becoming a poppy collector? Contact Abingdon Poppy Appeal at abingdon.poppy@gmail.com to learn more and join this dedicated team.
Members and friends gathered for the opening of Abingdon Vale Cricket Club’s new bar this evening. This revamp is a direct result of the club’s recently secured 75-year lease, providing the stability needed to invest in its future. The new bar, along with the redecoration of a comfortable lounge area and a pizza oven and servery, offers a welcoming environment for members, supporters, and visitors alike.
Cricket is thriving at Abingdon Vale. The club has a junior program with over 120 players aged 5-17. The senior teams have two pitches where they can play two home matches each Saturday.
Mark Edwards, who managed the project, said, ‘Not only will it enhance the cricket experience, but it will also create a fantastic venue for children’s parties and other events.’
The new Gordon Rhodes Bar, named in honour of the late club president, chairman, trustee, and player, was officially opened by Abingdon’s Deputy Mayor, Councillor Gabby Barody – with the help of Chairman Rob Hood who delivered a tribute to Gordon, highlighting his dedication to the club. He also acknowledged Abingdon and Witney College’s valuable contribution in designing and constructing the bar.
The Abingdon Drama Club are putting on a captivating and enjoyable production of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, a fitting tribute to the drama club in its 80th year. Tom Stoppard’s play, a tragicomedy, follows the story of two minor characters from Hamlet, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. They find themselves in a world of confusion as the events of Shakespeare’s play sweep by them, and they try to understand their part.
The director, Terry Atkinson, loves the play’s great but challenging script. Kieran Madden and Chris Bedford bring Rosencrantz and Guildenstern to life, not just by remembering so many lines but in how the sharp-witted Guildenstern is complemented by the confused and panicky Rosencrantz. Michael Ward as the Player and his acting group, The Tragedians, are also impressive.
The show has been running since Wednesday, April 17th, and there is a matinee and evening performance on Saturday, April 20th, at the Unicorn Theatre in Abingdon. Tickets are £12 or £10 for concessions. See: https://www.abingdon-drama-club.com/.