Category Archives: politics

The World Comes to St Ethelwold’s House

St Ethelwold's House
The world arrived in a wheelchair having had a difficult week, but this event at St Ethelwold’s called ‘A Celebration of Summer’ tried to put that right.
St Ethelwold's House
There were songs of Peace and Social Justice by the Seagreen Singers
St Ethelwold's House
and circle dancing as people sat out on the lawn at St Ethelwold’s House enjoying the music, the tea and cakes.

This was followed by a time in the Sanctuary listening to the words of some of the great teachers of this world. By the end of the afternoon we hope the world is feeling more resilient and able to cope with whatever next week brings.

Independence Day – Don’t take a Leap in the Dark – Old Anchor Inn Re-opens

EU Referendum 2016
Both the Sun and Mirror had different ideas of what might follow a vote to leave the EU. Most of the Tabloids (Sun, Mail, Express, Star) have sided with the Leave side throughout the campaign. Only the Daily Mirror has been on the Remain Side.
EU Referendum 2016
Polling Stations were kept fairly busy here in Abingdon, as we put our cross on the voting paper: Leave or Remain in the EU.
EU Referendum 2016
Meanwhile, on the eve of the apocalypse, there was the official reopening of the Old Anchor Inn, at St Helen’s Wharf in Abingdon.
EU Referendum 2016
There was a warm atmosphere. The bar has been redecorated and looks bright. Bar staff brought round canapes. Good luck to them.

Democracy on the Market Place

Democracy
This picture shows a traditional scene, where four of Abingdon’s five candidates for the 1945 parliamentary election are seen holding simultaneous meetings on the Market Square (from a Picture Post currently on sale in Ebay).
Democracy
Opposing sides in the 2016 Referendum on Britain’s membership of the EU had opposing tables on the Market Place this morning.
Democracy
The Vote Leave campaigners one side …
Democracy
the Vote Remain on the other. It is good to see the normal political groupings forgotten during this single-issue campaign. Behind the Remain table are local Conservative MP, Nicola Blackwood, and members of other parties and independents

2016 PCC Election

PCC Elections
In the first election for the Thames Valley Police and crime commissioner (PCC) back in 2012 the turnout was 13.3 per cent. That was thought to be disappointing.

The 2016 PCC election is the first election, that I remember, where no literature has been delivered to our door. We will wait and see the turnout with interest.