Two Horse Race

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Yesterday there was a by-election in Abingdon for two seats:  Abbey Northcourt District Council and Abbey Town Council.

During the campaign, the Liberal Democrats predicted a two-horse race, suggesting that a vote for Labour or the Greens would help Reform or the Conservatives to win.

To people in the street, it looked like a two-horse race between the Liberal Democrats and the Greens. The Lib Dems were winning on staked banners. The Greens were winning on posters in people’s windows.

Yesterday was polling day.

The result in the Abbey ward was a close two horse race between the Lib Dems and Greens. Congratulations to Carol, from the Lib Dems, who has already done a lot for the town through her work as a Girl Guide leader.

The result in the Abbey Northcourt ward was clearer. Congratulations to Caleb. The Greens again came a strong second.

Restaurant coming soon / à venir

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A smart new restaurant will soon be opening on West St Helen Street. The window whitener has been removed, revealing decorative lights inside, and a row of neatly topiary trees now stands outside the window.

A French restaurant has been expected at this site, and with the frontage now looking finished, the opening will not be far away.

It is where Rosie’s Tea Room once operated, and before that Frugal Food.

myHappymind Bronze award for Thameside Primary School

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Thameside Primary School in South Abingdon has won a Bronze Award for using the myHappymind programme. This shows that the school cares a lot about helping children feel happy and confident.

In the picture, you can see some of Thameside’s Happiness Heroes, who help other children look after themselves.

Headteacher Laura Youngman said: ‘We are really proud to get the Bronze myHappymind Award. It helps children and families learn important skills for life.’

This award shows how Thameside lives by its motto: ‘Every Child, Every Chance, Every Day.’ by helping every child both academically and emotionally.

More on the myHappymind programme: myHappymind Schools Programme.

Abingdon Artists Spring Exhibition at St Helen’s Church

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The Mayor of Abingdon, Cllr Rawda Jehanli, opened the Abingdon Artists Spring Exhibition at St Helen’s Church. In her remarks, the Mayor said that Abingdon has many talented artists. Many of them were present for the preview – each exhibiting up to three artworks.

Livio Lobo is pictured with his three works: Fruit of the Wine – Cheers, Fabulous Flowers Abingdon and Boxing Day MG Meet in Abingdon.

When the exhibition opened to the public on Monday, one of the first works to be sold was Fabulous Flowers Abingdon. It was bought by Gary, the owner of the Fabulous Flowers shop, who has a collection of paintings of his shop – a popular subject for artists.

One artist missed at this exhibition is Dougie Simpson, a well-known Abingdon artist who died in December 2025. A painting of Venice by Dougie was on display at the exhibition. A gathering of artists in Dougie’s honour will take place on Saturday, when they will draw and paint together.

The exhibition runs until Saturday.