Last week, the Vale of White Horse / Abingdon Phab Club celebrated its 40th anniversary.

The club was founded by David Carter to give people with disabilities, like himself, a welcoming place to socialise, have fun, and make friends. David’s legacy lives on through his parents, Barbara and Nigel Carter, who continue to run the club with great humour (and a little help from friends Sylvia, Lorraine, Colin and Sarah — all pictured).

The celebration took place at Christ Church, Abingdon, the club’s home. There was pizza from Caprinos – just across the road, a rousing – if slightly out of tune, ‘Happy Birthday to us… ‘, and chocolate cake. There was a ‘Secret Santa’ style gift swap – everyone brought a little present (max. price £5) and went home with a surprise.

In 1995–96, Nigel received a Mayor’s Award from then-Mayor Cllr Dr Jim Halliday for his work with Phab — originally known as the Physically Handicapped and Able Bodied Club. (The language has changed, but the name Phab remains.)

Nigel, now aged 80, is still going despite facing some serious health challenges over the years, with Barbara by his side. Nigel is a former undertaker – a business now run by his son – and also Pastor of Frilford Chapel, which also has a Youtube channel with a style all of its own (pictured above).

Such staying power is perhaps only matched by Cllr Jim Halliday, who, 30 years after presenting that Mayor’s Award, is leader of the Town Council yet again.

The Abingdon Fire Service dropped in on the Evergreen Club this Monday to give a talk on fire safety at home. The Evergreens is a social group for older members of the community that meet at Trinity Church, Abingdon. Founded in 1980, they’ve been going for 45 years and are now led by Tricia — pictured between the two firefighters who gave the talk.

Their fire engine was parked outside to give a sense of drama to the occassion.

Members found the talk both entertaining and practical. Key reminders included: have a smoke alarm on every floor, test them regularly, replace batteries as soon as they beep, and agree an escape plan with a meeting point. That last tip can save firefighters from rushing into a house looking for someone who’s already safely in the garden.

For more advice, visit Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue’s home safety page
https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/fire-and-community-safety/community-safety/safety-home — or invite them to speak to your club. Just be aware they may have to dash off if an emergency call comes in.

The Abingdon Royal British Legion Club has launched a £20,000 crowdfunding campaign to avoid closure and secure its future. Run by volunteers, the club has supported veterans, service families and the wider community for decades but now faces rising costs and falling footfall. Funds will cover essential running costs, repairs and improvements.

While operating independently under licence from the Royal British Legion, the club does not receive financial support from the national charity. Funds raised locally through the annual Poppy Appeal are sent directly to the charity’s national operations.

Donations can be made directly via the crowdfunding page: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-abingdon-royal-british-legion-club.

A BBQ party marked the end of another successful year for the Abingdon Silver Club.

New members joining in September visited the workshop to get a feel for the wide range of equipment available and to view some of the jewellery created during the weekly sessions.