Author Archives: Backstreeter

Evergreens Club Ends the Year with Party thanks to Stephanie

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The final meeting of the year of the Evergreens Club at Trinity Church was a Christmas celebration, with entertainment provided by half of the Mellstock Choir. They sang Christmas songs and carols, many of them associated with Thomas Hardy’s family and neighbourhood, and also read extracts from Hardy’s writings. There were also lively dancing songs that had feet tapping.

In the second half of the afternoon, everyone joined in singing well-loved carols, accompanied on the piano by Sheila. The gathering was completed with party food and a special cake and a secret santa.

Stephanie, a member who died last year, had left a gift to the club, and it was decided to use this to fund this party, which was attended by about fifty members and visitors. Stephanie’s daughter was present to cut the cake.

(The middle image is shown in a cartoon style, to capture the atmosphere while not showing people whose permission I did not ask.)

Things That Caught My Eye Around Abingdon

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At the top of West St Helen Street, the barriers have now been removed. Pedestrians can once again use the pavement on the left when heading up to High Street, and the alleyway leading down to the back of the Grapes pub, and the rear of other properties, is open again.

On the Market Place, members of the Christ Army Charismatic Ministries were offering food to people passing by — rice and peas and spices, chicken and salad. One young woman explained that they were also there to share the ‘good news’. The group meets at Larkmead School and grew from a small gathering that began near Dalton Barracks. They now serve food and offer to pray for people in the town as part of their outreach activities four times a year.

Above the County Hall Museum, a red, white and green flag was flying. At first it appeared to be the flag of a country. I looked up red, white and green and found Hungary, which seemed unlikely. The town council’s flag policy, has that 14 December marks the anniversary of the passing of the Representation of the People Act 1918, when the suffrage flag — purple, white and green — will be flown. On looking again, the top stripe must be purple. The suffrage flag is derived from the suffragette flag.

Carols in the Market Place

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Members of the Church in Abingdon were singing carols in the Market Place today. They set up banners, including one of the stable scene in the Nativity Story. There was a craft table and face painting.

The Town Crier announced each of the carols. A keyboard player and violinist accompanied the singing.

Singing was led by Sally Mears.

There were even several dogs who joined in with the occasional bark.

Afterwards the Street Pastors offered hot pasties and mulled juice.

Above is a recording of just one of the many carols: Oh Little Town of Bethlehem with Sally Mears adding a Descant on the last verse.

What’s On in Abingdon: Mostly Christmas Events, 13–20 December

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The Church in Abingdon will be singing carols in the Market Place on Saturday 13 December from 10am. Everyone is welcome to join in, and carol sheets will be provided. Musicians are encouraged to come along.

There’s an ADMS Christmas Concert on Saturday 13 December at 4pm in St Helen’s Church. It’s family-friendly and features The Nutcracker Suite, Sleigh Ride, and carols. It will support The Abingdon Bridge.

Abingdon Town Band Christmas Concert
Saturday 13 December, 7:30pm – Christ Church, Northcourt Road. Donations Welcome.

The Snowman Live is on Sunday 14 December – 1:30pm & 4pm – Amey Theatre, Abingdon School. It has live music performed by the Wantage Band.

The Abingdon Traditional Mummers will be touring the villages of Milton, Steventon, and Drayton (Monday 15 December evening), and  around the pubs of Abingdon town centre ( Wednesday 17 December evening). This traditional folk play shows the struggle of good against evil with sword fighting and healing and ends with We Wish you a Merry Christmas and rattling of the donation tin. Donations support St Ethelwold’s House.

A seasonal talk by Clare Goodall for the Abingdon Area Archaeology & History Society on Thursday 18 December, 7:45pm (doors 7:15pm) at the Northcourt Centre. Christmas tales and music from the Medieval and Renaissance, with thoughts of the obby Horse, wassailing, guising, the Feast of Fools and how music wanders over time. Suggested donation £4.

Abingdon Farmers’ Market
Friday 19 December, 8:30am–1:30pm – Market Place
The regular third-Friday market.


Against Breast Cancer Christmas Carols
Led by The Abingdon Rock Choir on Saturday 20 December, 4:30pm–6:30pm – Market Place.

The LAMPS Collective – Heavenly Realms
Saturday 20 December – 3pm (sold out) & 7pm – Peachcroft Christian Centre
Watch the Old Angel Pensioners at  ‘Heavenly Realms’ as they share memories of the first Christmas. Suitable for ages 8+. Tickets £10 adults / £5 children.