This first part of this report is thanks to Colin who helps at Phab in Abingdon …

“The Charter Day Centre closed 2 weeks ago and after a send off meal people have been finding new homes. Staff said it was a wonderful place to work – if a bit small. Managers and Support workers have been distributed around the county, some to Wantage, and others to Wallingford, and the service users will now go to the Abbey Centre where there are new managers.

It also brought to an end the Auto Taxi connection… Throughout their school life (Teesdale School /Kingfisher School etc), the taxi company provided transport to outlying areas (Culham/Botley etc). They were with them before becoming Auto Taxi, some 20-25 years ago – as Howse Taxi or Hills Taxi possibly – so long ago people cannot remember. Alternate transport will be used for the Abbey Centre.”

The Country Market also had to find a new home, and from today can be found at The Salvation Army. They will be there on the second Saturday of the month from 10am to 12 noon.

It is a larger space, and so there is room for more stalls, and more refreshments.

At Preston Road Community Centre on Saturday there was the fifth annual Lace Day, organised by the Abbey Meadow Lace Makers who meet at the centre.

As well as the lace making, there was a plentiful supply of cakes and tea and coffee, a raffle and tombola. There were also bobbins, pins and hooks, thread, and patterns for sale from a couple of specialist suppliers.

The lace makers meet normally on the 3rd Tuesday of every month from 9.30 am until 3.30 pm. Expert advice was on hand.

The display team from the Abingdon Dog Training club were at Culham Fete on Saturday and gave obedience demonstrations in the main arena.

The Abingdon Dog Training club has been going since 1975, and meets on Sunday evenings at Preston Road Community Centre. They have puppy foundation courses, then basic obedience training, followed by bronze, silver and gold award classes.