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.

Thankyou to Sarah for letting me know more about the fun, games and crafts at 18 Bury Street.

Willows has a new name — Paws & Play @ Willows

If you visit say hello to Harry, the black and white pup, who supervises the gaming and craft domain upstairs, that also spills downstairs,

and to to Lewie (the co-owner’s dog) – another reason to paws.

There are board games every day, with a bigger event every third weekend of the month.

Evening events, including murder mysteries, pendulum art, and BBQs.

Most events are non-profit, raising money for four local charities: Against Cancer, Nasio, OAS, and Cats Protection.

There are crafts, which included a look-a-like Bob Ross paint day.

They will help organise this summer’s Splash of Pink Day in the Market Square (Saturday 12th July) — and will be giving it a a new name after a public vote starting this Tuesday and ending on 28th April 2025. The short list is at Renaming Splash of Pink:
* Beyond the ribbon
* Paint Abingdon pink
* Get your pink on
* Abingdon Against Breast Cancer