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.

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,’

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.