Thanks to Sue from the Abingdon Sea Cadets for news of their success at Reading waterfront, where Abingdon Sea Cadets won the District Paddlesports Trophy for the fourth year in succession. They now go on the regional championships and possibly the nationals.

Lieutenant Kevin Anderson, the Commanding Officer of Abingdon Sea Cadets, said, “I am delighted with the success achieved by our cadets. It is due to their dedication, commitment and healthy competitive spirit that we have been able to retain the Paddlesports Trophy once again.”

Junior Kayaking gold medallist Ordinary Cadet Mitchell Stock, speaking after his event said, “My arms ache.”

Abingdon Sea Cadets‘ aim is to inspire the next generation and give them the best possible start in life. But like all youth groups they need adult volunteers to help inspire the next generation.

The community shop is back after a year off – due to the redevelopment of the Abbey Shopping Centre. Community groups will soon be able to promote themselves in the community shop with exhibitions, and / or activities, and anything that makes the town vibrant.

May and September are already fairly booked up but if your community group would like to use the shop email Hester ( hester@hand-abingdon.net ). Both Hester and Heather (pictured above) have worked on this venture. Together they represent The Friends of Abingdon and the Choose Abingdon Partnership.

The shop was until recently a toy shop and, Hester reminds me, it was once the old Gas Board Showroom.

It must have been where we bought our first oven in 1986 – a Flavia Festival with oven, 4 gas rings, and grill above.