Unit 25 in Bury Street is currently being made available to community groups, thanks to the landlords Gentian Sunnyday and The Friends of Abingdon Civic Society. This follows works taking place in Unit 24, used previously.

Last week, the Oxford and District Woodcarvers used the space throughout the week, showcasing their work, including this clock case.

This morning, the Sewing Repair Shop held a session in the unit, offering help with mending and extending the life of clothes.

In the afternoon, it was the turn of the Ock Poets, a group that seems to be going from strength to strength in 2025 — drawing in an ever-growing number of local poetry enthusiasts.

If you’d like to find out more about using the space for your own community group, visit:Unit 25 – Community Space.

The Abingdon Cycle Festival got off to an fast start early this morning, with cyclists gathering to register for a large number of organised rides.

From around 9 am through to 11 am, groups of riders set off in different directions, exploring routes into the surrounding countryside.

This group was seen heading out along the High Street.

Another group passed under the Abbey Gateway — one of Abingdon’s most recognisable landmarks — as they began their route.

Once all the cyclists had departed, community spirit continued with a Sunday litter pick organised by Lynn of AbiBinit. Most of their events take place on Saturdays, but by request, Lynn arranged this one for Sunday for people who find Saturday difficult.

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.

The Strong & Stable free seated exercise class, which previously met at Unit 24, will now take place at the former Charter Day Centre building. The building was last used, as far as I know, for Covid-19 vaccinations. Plans for it to be used by a learning disabilities and autism charity did not go ahead. The Charter Day Centre closed in October 2017, but it will now see some limited use.