Author Archives: Backstreeter

Two Current Planning Applications at Fairacres, Abingdon for M&S Food Store

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1. Store Conversion (and change of Use)

An application has been submitted to convert the existing M&S unit at Fairacres into a food store, with associated car parking and external alterations. This proposal is opposed by the owners of Bury Street, who cite planning conditions that restrict out-of-centre food retail in order to safeguard Abingdon’s town centre. Consultation on this application has ended and a decision is expected by 15th September 2025.

It has a planning reference: P25/V1108/FUL

2. Mini-Roundabout Upgrade at Fairacres / Nuffield Way

A second application proposes installing a mini-roundabout at the junction between Fairacres Retail Park and Nuffield Way to improve traffic flow. Surveys commissioned on behalf of M&S show that, at peak times, delays are significantly longer for vehicles exiting Fairacres than for those leaving Nuffield Way. The proposed roundabout is expected to ease the exit from Fairacres. Comments on this application are mostly from people who use Nuffield Way regularly and highlight existing concerns about heavy traffic along Nuffield Way at peak times. There are also comments about whether a mini-roundabout will make it safer for cyclists and pedestrians or not. Consultation on this ends on 28th August 2025. So there is still time to respond.
It has a planning reference: P25/V1525/FUL

Bank Holiday Bowling

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On a sunny August Bank Holiday, members of Abingdon Bowling Club gathered at their rink in Albert Park to compete for the Martin Cup. Teams were drawn from across the club members there, making for a competitive afternoon of bowling.

Bowls is a social sport, with plenty of encouragement and advice exchanged between teammates. For spectators, the basics are straightforward: each end begins with the small white jack rolled to the far end of the green. Players then roll their bowls, aiming to finish as close as possible to it.

Scoring is less obvious – at the close of each end, the team with the nearest bowl scores one point for every bowl closer than the opposition’s nearest. Sometimes only a single point is won; at other times a team can collect several. Scores are added up during the match, and the team with the highest total wins.

Abingdon Bowling Club were founded in 1913. Their present clubhouse, built in 1994, stands beside the green in Albert Park surrounded by a hedge which makes a peaceful setting for the game.

New Superintendent for Wantage and Abingdon Methodist Circuit

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There was a good turnout at Trinity Church on Saturday 23 August, when the Revd Georgina Bondzi-Simpson was welcomed as the new Superintendent Minister of the Wantage & Abingdon Methodist Circuit. Georgina has been minister at Trinity and at All Saints in Abingdon for the past year, and now takes on the added responsibility of being minister at Grove, as well as superintending the circuit, which includes eight Methodist churches across Abingdon, Didcot, Wantage, Wallingford and nearby villages.

The service was led by the Revd Bruce Thompson, alongside the Revd Dr Sonia Hicks, Chair of the Northampton Methodist District, which includes Oxfordshire.

Reflecting on the occasion, Georgina said the word that had stayed with her in preparing for the service was humility. “It’s not just about me,” she told the congregation, “but about all of us being open to God and to each other.”

The circuit has recently reduced the number of ministers from three to two, with lay members and retired ministers now taking a greater part in leading services and activities.


Among those present were the Mayor of Abingdon, Cllr Rawda Jehanli, Georgina’s family, and friends from across the area. Afterwards, people gathered in the Conduit Centre to share sandwiches and a generous spread of cakes — so many that they were still being enjoyed after Sunday morning’s services.

West Side Story at the Amey Theatre (Abingdon School)

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West Side Story is a reimagining of Romeo and Juliet, set among rival gangs in New York. With music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, it includes well-known songs such as America, Tonight, and Somewhere.

This week, the youth theatre company DIY Theatre Co, based in Sunningwell and Oxford, collaborated with musicians from Leiden (Netherlands), dancers from Grenoble (France), and actors from Bonn (Germany) – three of Oxford’s twin towns.

After rehearsals at Trinity Church, the international cast brought West Side Story to the Amey Theatre for final rehearsals, and performances on the 22nd and 23rd of August, including a Matinee.

The young performers gave strong and enthusiastic performances in both acting and dance, supported by a live band who were excellent.

The production brought together young people from across Europe, not only to stage a demanding musical but also to build links between the towns involved. The audience were enthusiastic and gave the cast sustained applause.