The Chairman of The Vale of White Horse District Council, Councillor Mike Badcock, presented awards today for people recognised for their voluntary service to communities in the Vale of White Horse.

There were awards for two people who Mike said had done a great deal for South Abingdon.

Both Preston Road Community Centre and Thameside School independently nominated Mary De Vere.

Mary also gives a lot of her free time working for Drayton Road Allotment Association and All Saints Church (in North Abingdon).

The other main force at  Preston Road Community Centre is Ray Ball. As well as organising a lot of recent improvements to the centre; he runs youth groups, The Vineyard Church, and with Ellie his wife organises community activities such as mother & toddler groups.

There were lots of other examples of people who went above and beyond from other towns and villages in the Vale. That even included the man who scours the White Horse in Uffington to keep it bright.

A group of children, with their mums, had a stall selling cakes, and drinks, next to the Abbey Close Car Park. The money is to help the children of Syria + Gaza!

The Stroke Club were in town raising money for people who have suffered a stroke.

They are not there to provide ‘Tea and Sympathy’. They provide ‘Beer and empathy’ and mutual support. They want to help fellow stroke victims regain their life after the devastating experience, and they meet at The College Oak Pub on Peachcroft.

The Football season kicked off today at ‘The Northcourt’ where the fans, as always, were very vocal. They gave the ref a hard time, singing “You don’t know what you are doing” after one penalty appeal was turned down. They also made loud siren noises every time the trainer was called on.

The game ended in a 0-0 draw between Abingdon United and Newbury.

Street parties are a good way to meet your neighbours and build community spirit, and Exbourne Road started doing Street Parties back in 2011, and 29th June 2014 was their fourth year.

Normally, Exbourne Road has cars parked down both sides, but the road closure meant that it looked as it did in the 1950s. Back then the children could play in the street: football, cricket with painted stumps on a wall, British Bulldog, and Roller Skating in the Prince of Wales Carpark.

Bunting is of course essential for a Street Party.

For the four hours the road was closed there was lots going on. Ashnah performed.

As did Mr Hemmings Traditional Morris Dancers.

There was a talk about the history of the street by the two longest staying residents – one of whom had been there in the 1950s, and her family from the 1930s. “Exbourne Terrace, was build in 1875, and the other side added in 1905.”

There was a bun throwing competition, and other sports, and A Naffle: that is where all the prizes are naff but you must take them home. Then there was Guess Who? Numbered pictures showed the residents as young children.

Thanks to Clare for the invitation, and also Lucy, Matthew, Harry, and Penny who did a lot of the organising.