The 2026 Abingdon Clubs and Societies Day took place today from 10am to 2pm across the Guildhall, St Nicolas Church (above), the Market Place, and Unit 24, Bury Street (below). It offered clubs and societies a chance to share what they do with the public, recruit new members, and connect with one another to see how they might work together. It offered the public a chance to find many activities happening in Abingdon, a bit like a freshers day at a university.

Previously held every two or three years, this year’s event followed just one year after the last. Another change was the use of four venues rather than two, allowing everything to be kept at ground level. This made the stalls more spread out and easier for visitors to explore. With around 60 groups taking part, I’m afraid I didn’t have time to feature them all, but here are just a few.

Outside the Guildhall on the grass, the Abingdon Scottish Country Dance Club were demonstrating some of  their steps. They meet at the Northcourt Centre and I was told it not only keeps you fit but is great fun too, with live music at least once a month. Sessions begin all together, before beginners break off for separate dances, then everyone comes back together at the end.

There was also the chance to have a go at hitting a ball through a hoop on the lawn outside the Guildhall with the Thames Valley Croquet Club. They play every Monday and Friday at Abingdon Vale Cricket Club.

Abingdon Vale Cricket Club had a particularly successful season last year, with three of their four men’s teams winning promotion. Since launching in 2022, the Abingdon Vale Women’s Team has also gone from strength to strength. They run youth teams too, from juniors aged 5–8 upwards. They were on the Market Place along with Girl Guiding, Abingdon Town Amateur Boxing Club, Kingfisher Canoe Club, Freewheeling Cycle Club, One Plant Abingdon, and Abibinit litter picking.

The Abbey Meadow Lacemakers meet at Preston Road Community Centre on the third Tuesday of each month from 9.30am to 3.30pm. It’s a welcoming group not just for lacemakers but for other needlecrafts too, including crochet, knitting, cross-stitch, and beading.

Abingdon Drama Club were there, with their next production, Things I Know to be True, due to go on sale soon.

Abingdon Green Gym has been running for over twenty years, helping people keep fit while caring for the natural spaces around the town.

Events like this are a reminder of just how much is happening in Abingdon.

Despite what this blog reported on April 1st, the monk has really appeared on the Marcham Road Roundabout this Easter Day morning – as a big surprise.

The work to lift him in and bolt him down must have happened early this morning.

It has been arranged by the Abingdon Freemasons, who really do have ties with the original monk, although not the hoax ones put on this blog on April 1st. The previous monk also had a Masonic connection as the original monk was sponsored by the Abbey Press which was run by one of their members.

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.