Another celebrated Abingdon Woman

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Anna Clyne portrait by © Christina Kernohan

Anna Clyne was born in London, and grew up in Abingdon, attending Dunmore School. Her love of music began here, composing her first piece at age 7. Drawn to various genres like pop, rock, and jazz, she explored music through piano and later the cello. She studied music at the University of Edinburgh and the Manhattan School of Music and has since then become one of the best known British composers. She was named as one of the top ten most performed contemporary composers in the world and the most-performed living female British composer in both 2022 and 2023. Here are a couple of her pieces:

Anna Clyne: Within Her Arms. Elim Chan conducts an ensemble of Philharmonia string players.

The Heart of Night with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.

See annaclyne.com for more information.

Hi-Viz Man saves Abingdon from Grid-lock

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A car had parked in the disabled bay directly opposite the barriers in Stert Street, bringing traffic to a halt as a 35 bus could not squeeze through. A couple of policemen arrived but the car’s driver could not be found.

Minutes ticked by, and the traffic queue grew longer and backed up Vineyard and Stratton Way. Then a man in a yellow hi-viz jacket, possibly from the bus company, took charge at the side of the bus and the policeman at the front. The bus slowly inched forward. Hi-Viz Man pulled back the barriers just enough so that the bus could squeeze through.

Other buses and lorries were able to follow with inches to spare.

Christian Aid and Walking Festival

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The Abingdon Christian Aid group had a colourful stall at the marketplace selling plants, preserves, books etc. They were also taking donations to fight global hunger.

The Vale of White Horse Ramblers group organised some walks as part of the walking festival.

Walks left the Market Place during Saturday morning and the early afternoon. The day was sunny and many of the walks were fully booked.

There were other themed stalls on the Market Place. They included the Oxford Fieldpaths Society who organise their own walks and have one starting in Abingdon on May 16th. They also try to keep footpaths open and provide improved access with better gates.

The Abingdon Eagles provide Adult walking basketball at the White Horse Leaisure and Tennis Centre.

The White Horse Leisure Tennis Centre has an extensive senior activities programme designed to enhance physical and mental wellbeing, with the chance to chat before and after.

Aurora at Abingdon Rugby Club

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Thanks to Paul for these pictures of the Aurora last night from the Abingdon Rugby Club. Amazing!

Huge bursts of energy from the Sun hit Earth’s magnetic field, causing a beautiful light show with colourful streaks across the night sky!

For those of us who missed it last night, there could be another chance tonight. The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is rarely seen as far south as Abingdon.