Category Archives: sport

Whatever happens, Tesco in Abingdon has made the most of the World Cup

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As you enter the store, you’re greeted by an aisle decorated with 47 national flags. One of the 48 flag positions is empty. There’s a gap where the England flag should be. Possibly nicked?

The aisle features things to buy to consume during the football: fajita kits and dips, Coca-Cola, chocolates, crisps and snacks, boxes of beer and cider and bottles of wines, including the Kylie Minogue range.

England face Argentina in a World Cup semi-final this evening, and Tesco Extra in Abingdon is getting behind the team with the message: ‘Make History England.’

The store background music as I walked between the aisles was ‘Jerusalem’ and that helped to create a patriotic warm feeling.

There’s also a mini football pitch where children can test their shooting skills.

Whatever happens tonight, Tesco Extra in Abingdon have made the most of the world cup. There was also a buzz of excitement in town as people congregated on a warm evening at different pubs and locations to watch the game.

England 3–2 Mexico: A Game Worth waiting up for

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The kick-off at 1am was delayed until 2am after an electrical storm. So lots of people in Abingdon had a very late night.

The match itself more than made up for the wait. In an exciting match, England eventually were 3–2 winners over Mexico, after having to play almost half the game with ten men.

Martin stayed up to watch it. After what turned out to be one of the best England performances he had ever seen, he managed only a couple of hours’ sleep before heading off early to set up his market stall, where Abingdon 2027 calendars are now on sale.

He’s ready for another 1am game tonight: Belgium v USA. Martin is originally from Belgium, and according to an image on his phone, “the rest of the world” will be backing Belgium against the USA.

From Acacia to Topsport: World Cup Flags Around Abingdon

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The 2026 World Cup, taking place across the USA, Mexico and Canada, got underway for England this evening with a Group L match against Croatia in Dallas. The tournament has already brought some colour to Abingdon, with a few local businesses displaying England flags in support of the Three Lions.

The Blue Boar has England flags, Union Jacks, and a Brazil Flag. Inside there are a lot more flags.

Sue Ryder has a large England flag inside the shop and World Cup signs in the window. These are mixed with their Fathers Day display. Fathers Day is on Sunday.

Topsport has one window dedicated to England / football and another featuring throwing rings. Inside, all 48 competing nations are represented by their flags.

With England’s World Cup campaign now underway with a convincing  4–2 win over Croatia,  more flags could begin to appear around Abingdon, in addition to those left by  ‘Operation Raise the Colours’.

Abingdon Freewheeling Cycling Festival 2026

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It was already warm by 9:30 this morning as cyclists gathered on the Market Place in Abingdon town centre for the Abingdon Freewheeling Cycle Festival.

Riders signed up beneath gazebos before setting off on routes ranging from family rides to off road rides and longer and faster circuits through the Oxfordshire countryside. There were eight rides in all.

The Town Crier opened proceedings, welcoming riders of every kind, from ‘lycra clad hard-riding heroes’ to those preferring a gentler pace, before promising that everyone would share the same goal at the end: ‘a beer, a sandwich and a convivial chat at Loose Cannon Brewery.’

The first group headed out towards Goring, Wallingford and Dorchester after a short briefing from the group leader.

The heat was a talking point before the event, with organisers encouraging riders to bring water and sunscreen. By lunchtime, as cyclists returned to Loose Cannon Brewery, many headed to the bar after riding in what was the hottest day of the year so far.

Inside, the brewery offered welcome shade and cool air, while outside riders relaxed in the sunshine with burgers, drinks and conversations.

One rider commented that their ride had been a great experience, thanks to the group they were with. It was also clear that the Freewheeling committee and everyone who helped had played a big part in making it such a successful and enjoyable event.