Author Archives: Backstreeter

Abingdon Clubs and Societies Day – Part 4 of 4

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For people wanting to build confidence in public speaking and leadership, the Abingdon Speakers Club provides a friendly place to practice prepared speeches, impromptu speaking exercises, and receive constructive feedback.

Howie, a newcomer to the Abingdon Silver Group, has found silversmithing surprisingly familiar after years of working with classic cars. He’s now creating rings and  jewellery and recommends the group.

Founded in 1975, Abingdon Music Centre Trust makes music accessible to all ages. It offers baby and pre-school music classes, sessions for Reception and Year 1, and a Guitar Club from Year 3 onwards. Adults can join guitar lessons, recorder groups, a community orchestra, or sing in the Abingdon Community Choir. The Trust also brings music to care homes, offering sessions for residents.

One Planet Abingdon and Abingdon Carbon Cutters are conducting a survey on sustainable food habits to find out how we can reduce food’s environmental impact. Food production and consumption play a major role in climate change and biodiversity loss, and individual choices can make things better. An anonymous survey takes just five minutes and closes on 15 March. Take the Survey here.

This biannual clubs and societies day featured over 30 groups, with these 16 just a snapshot of what was there. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to Unit 24 before they packed up and missed finding out about the Abingdon Silent Book Club. I also missed Abingdon Astronomical Society and the chance to ask about the recent planetary alignment — which everyone seems to be talking about. And as for the Abingdon Camera Club, I decided not to use that picture — it wasn’t quite to their standards!

Abingdon Clubs and Societies Day – Part 3 of 4

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The Clubs and Societies event took place in several rooms of the Guildhall, with the busiest being the Roysse Room.

The ATOM Science Festival runs from 15th to 26th March, offering a range of events celebrating science and innovation. This year’s Peagram Lecture will feature Prof. Tony Hey talking about the historical and scientific significance of Einstein, Bohr, and Bell. Mark Simmonds will give a talk on the Whale-Human Interface. On Saturday, 15th March, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, the the ATOM Science Market will be in Abingdon Market Place.  To find out more about these and other events visit Atom Science Festival.

I was reminded by the Rotary club of Abingdon that the world Poohsticks championship will be in May and this could your chance to become a world champion. Not a lot of training is involved. They would also like to get people to help at the gate of the Abingdon Air and Country Show on 14th June.

The Abingdon Drama Club brought out of retirement a papier-mâché horse, usually displayed in their clubhouse window. It was created by Malcolm Ross, who has made many other props. It originally featured in their 2017 production of Portia Coughlan, and its name is … (‘sorry I can’t read my handwriting’). Their next play will be Abigail’s Party by Mike Leigh, running from 26th to 29th March, directed by their chairman, Terry Atkinson.

Mr. Hemmings Traditional Abingdon Morris Dancers were also present, keeping the town’s folk traditions alive. They are looking for new members to keep them alive even longer.

Abingdon Clubs and Societies Day – Part 2 of 4

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The Grim Dark Gaming Society has been going since January 2024 and provides facilities and equipment for Science Fiction and table-top gaming. They can be found above the Willow Shakes in Bury Street. ‘Grim Dark’ refers to the Warhammer fantasy world of the year 40,000 AD, where there is no end of war.

Do you want to know how to survive after an urban disaster, or how to live in the wild? The Bushkraft Team lead hiking trips, bushcraft adventures, and teach survival skills, for children, families, or other teams.

The Didcot Hashers are a social running and walking group based in Didcot who explore the countryside of South Oxfordshire. They meet at different pubs, follow a 3-5 mile flour-marked trail through meadows and woodlands, and end back at the pub for drinks and nibbles. The first hash is free, then it’s £1 per hash.

Since 1968, the Abingdon Area Archaeological & Historical Society (AAAHS) has carried out over a hundred different archaeological projects in and around Abingdon. Beyond their archaeological efforts, AAAHS host regular talks and walks, with insights into the past. In March 2025, don’t miss Dr. Hubert Zawadski’s talk, ‘My Polish Father’s Experiences in WW2: From the Gulag to Normandy and Scotland,’

Abingdon Clubs and Societies Day – Part 1 of 4

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The Abingdon Clubs and Societies Day took place today from 10 am to 2 pm at the Guildhall and Unit 24, Bury Street. I spoke with several stallholders and will feature some of them in the coming week.

On Sunday mornings at Lambrick Way, the Abingdon RFC Junior section takes to the field for rugby training. David Holt, chairman of the junior section, welcomes boys and girls aged 5 to under 18, saying, “The more, the merrier! It’s a warm and inspiring place where young players not only learn rugby but grow in confidence and make friends.”

Find out more at Abingdon RFC Junior Rugby.

For over twenty years, Abingdon Green Gym has brought volunteers together to improve the local environment while keeping fit and making friends. They meet on Saturday mornings, tackling a wide variety of tasks with a well-earned coffee break in between. Their work covers nature sites across Abingdon and beyond, and they welcome volunteers of all ages — no experience needed.

Their blog has been active since 2012, sharing examples of their work, and their latest programme can be found on their website.

Abingdon is home to a number of Girl Guide groups, offering girls the chance to make new friends, explore the outdoors, develop skills, and grow in confidence. Some groups have spaces available and welcome new members.

Guiding is also a great way for adults to get involved, whether by volunteering as a leader or helping occasionally as a parent. Any support makes a real difference to the lives of local girls and young women.

Find at more at oxfordshiregirlguiding.org.uk

AbiBinit! was formed to help keep Abingdon a litter-free town and promote pride in the local community. Litter picking is a simple way to make a difference — it’s exercise in the outdoors, connects people with nature, and encourages others to think twice before dropping rubbish.

The AbiBinit! 2025 programme includes three litter picks starting at Abingdon Lock, two of which will be supported by canoes. There are also two events planned in South Abingdon. The next group pick is on Saturday, 22nd March, starting at the MG Park on Marcham Road.

To reserve a place, email events@abibinit.org.