The Oracle Pool and Snooker Club, located upstairs at Coxeters Yard, recently became a film set for a newly released feature.

Mr Doom – Behind the 8 Ball is a British comedy about two pool hustlers, Charlie and Jack, living on the fringes of society. The film, directed by Leif Johnson, uses the club, as well as other local locations.

It was shown at Cineworld Witney on March 6th, where members of the Oracle club went to see their club on the big screen.

The official trailer features scenes in the club.

The film is now available on Amazon, iTunes, Sky, and Google Play.

For people wanting to build confidence in public speaking and leadership, the Abingdon Speakers Club provides a friendly place to practice prepared speeches, impromptu speaking exercises, and receive constructive feedback.

Howie, a newcomer to the Abingdon Silver Group, has found silversmithing surprisingly familiar after years of working with classic cars. He’s now creating rings and  jewellery and recommends the group.

Founded in 1975, Abingdon Music Centre Trust makes music accessible to all ages. It offers baby and pre-school music classes, sessions for Reception and Year 1, and a Guitar Club from Year 3 onwards. Adults can join guitar lessons, recorder groups, a community orchestra, or sing in the Abingdon Community Choir. The Trust also brings music to care homes, offering sessions for residents.

One Planet Abingdon and Abingdon Carbon Cutters are conducting a survey on sustainable food habits to find out how we can reduce food’s environmental impact. Food production and consumption play a major role in climate change and biodiversity loss, and individual choices can make things better. An anonymous survey takes just five minutes and closes on 15 March. Take the Survey here.

This biannual clubs and societies day featured over 30 groups, with these 16 just a snapshot of what was there. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to Unit 24 before they packed up and missed finding out about the Abingdon Silent Book Club. I also missed Abingdon Astronomical Society and the chance to ask about the recent planetary alignment — which everyone seems to be talking about. And as for the Abingdon Camera Club, I decided not to use that picture — it wasn’t quite to their standards!

The Clubs and Societies event took place in several rooms of the Guildhall, with the busiest being the Roysse Room.

The ATOM Science Festival runs from 15th to 26th March, offering a range of events celebrating science and innovation. This year’s Peagram Lecture will feature Prof. Tony Hey talking about the historical and scientific significance of Einstein, Bohr, and Bell. Mark Simmonds will give a talk on the Whale-Human Interface. On Saturday, 15th March, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, the the ATOM Science Market will be in Abingdon Market Place.  To find out more about these and other events visit Atom Science Festival.

I was reminded by the Rotary club of Abingdon that the world Poohsticks championship will be in May and this could your chance to become a world champion. Not a lot of training is involved. They would also like to get people to help at the gate of the Abingdon Air and Country Show on 14th June.

The Abingdon Drama Club brought out of retirement a papier-mâché horse, usually displayed in their clubhouse window. It was created by Malcolm Ross, who has made many other props. It originally featured in their 2017 production of Portia Coughlan, and its name is … (‘sorry I can’t read my handwriting’). Their next play will be Abigail’s Party by Mike Leigh, running from 26th to 29th March, directed by their chairman, Terry Atkinson.

Mr. Hemmings Traditional Abingdon Morris Dancers were also present, keeping the town’s folk traditions alive. They are looking for new members to keep them alive even longer.

Today (Thursday 6th February 2025), on passing Unit 24, Bury Street, I took a moment to check out the window displays. There are two big displays:

* A reminder that the consultation for the Abingdon-on-Thames Neighbourhood Plan closes on February 10th.

* Generations of John Mason School students will remember Welsh Farm in West Wales — home to bog-hopping, waterfall adventures, and gold panning. But with its natural water source drying up, the farm needed £15,000 for a borehole. Thanks to generous donors, they’ve raised £16,270 so far.

Beyond these, the other windows are full of A4 posters with local events and initiatives, including:

Get Active:
* Abibinit Litter Picks
* Walking Football (age 55+)
* Thursday Gentle Walks from Preston Road Community Centre (10:30 am)
* Ride Revolution – restoring bikes for disadvantaged children
* groups such as Chair Yoga and Strong and Stable at Unit 42

Community & Wellbeing:
* Men’s Support Group at Keystone Mental Health (Bury Street)
* Abingdon Compassionate Café
* Mind: One Step at a Time – coping strategies workshop

Community & Culture:
* Stonehill Community Garden Open Day
* The Abingdon Girl Guide groups
* West End Allotments – full and half plots available
* Abingdon Fitzharris WI (2nd Tuesday, Northcourt Centre, 1:30 pm)
* One Planet Abingdon – sustainability initiatives
* Dawn the Talking Newspaper
* The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes – an ancient fraternity

Upcoming Events:
Long Furlong Funday – 18th Feb
Councillor Nathan’s Talk: Health, Climate & Oxfordshire’s Future – 19th Feb
Abingdon Artists Spring Exhibition – 10th-15th March
ATOM Science Festival – 15th-26th March
Abingdon Beer Festival – 25th-27th April