Author Archives: Backstreeter

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.

Abingdon-on-Thames Civic Service: Celebrating Inclusivity

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On Sunday, 23rd March 2025, the Church of Our Lady & St Edmund hosted Abingdon-on-Thames’ Civic Service for the year 2024/25. Led by the Mayor, Councillor Gabby Barody, the service celebrated inclusivity and community groups.

The Civic Party entered to “Crowded Table” by The Highwomen. Father Jamie McGrath opened the proceedings with prayers, followed by a welcome from the Mayor. Reflections were shared by the Mayor’s multi-faith and humanist chaplains: Deacon Selina Nisbett, Dr Hamid Al Shejni, and Pat Winslow (read on her behalf by the Mayor). The church choir performed Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer.

The Mayor introduced local groups making a difference, including Host Abingdon, Pranic Healing, Thames Valley Roller Skating Club, Abingdon Breastfeeding Café, and Open Doors.

Thank you to Martin Wackenier for the photographs.

Security Fencing Erected at former St. John’s Ambulance HQ

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Security fences have gone up in front of the former St John Ambulance HQ off Caldecott Road in Abingdon. I can’t remember when I last saw it being used but it has been empty for a while now.

The St John’s Ambulance HQ first appeared in the 1969 Abingdon Directory (image above). Abingdon St. John Ambulance group operated a combined adult division, separate ambulance and nursing cadet divisions, and a Badger section for children under 11. They taught first aid to the public and maintained their own equipment and vehicles in the adjoining garages. The site has also served other community purposes. It was a polling station until 2019. There was a pre school there around 1990.

The land belongs to the Vale of White Horse District Council but appears to have a restrictive covenant — legal conditions limiting how the land can be used.

Three Markets, One Town

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One day after the Farmers’ Market, Abingdon hosted a Local Excellence Market. The Town Crier was once more ringing out a warm welcome, encouraging people to shop locally rather than online.

Martin had a stall showcasing his photographs. Among the visitors was the lady featured walking up St Helen’s Wharf in the snow — a scene from one of his most celebrated winter pictures. Martin had also been at the Farmers Market and will be at the Monday Market.

Busby Bees, a regular presence at both the Farmers’ Market and the Local Excellence Market, were notably absent from yesterday’s event. David said that it was the first Farmers’ Market he had missed in a long time.

Clare Cross shared her enjoyment of the Local Excellence Market, saying that it is usually busy. She had a selection of artworks on sale at half price, with proceeds going toward an animal sanctuary.

All these markets continue to be an important part of Abingdon life.