On the eve of the Feast of St Paulinus, St Michael’s Church was filled with family, friends, and colleagues of Father Paul Smith, gathered to give thanks for his 25 years of ordained ministry and to wish him well in retirement.

The preacher, Revd Patrick Taylor – who studied with Paul at Cuddesdon Theological College – explained that Paulinus was a nickname from those days, one that Paul still uses to sign his paintings. St Paulinus was both a missionary and companion, and Revd Taylor drew a parallel with Paul’s own gift for companionship and encouragement.

In a farewell message in this month’s Round & About magazine, Father Paul wrote that he is leaving Abingdon after living and ministering here since 2010 as Team Vicar of St Michael’s, Park Road, and St Nicolas’, in the Market Place. His journey to ordination was shaped by living with cerebral palsy and using a wheelchair. He has been described as a trailblazer in the Church. It has sometimes been ‘relentless, exhausting and lonely.’

Father Paul expressed deep gratitude for the people of Abingdon and for the privilege of sharing in their joys and sorrows. Abingdon and its people will always have a special place in my heart.

(Photographs by Revd David Bevington. With thanks to Rob Rutherford. In the first picture are Revd Patrick Taylor, Revd Dr A. K. M. Adam, Revd Paul Smith, and Revd Jennifer Brown.)

Anna Clyne portrait by © Christina Kernohan

Anna Clyne was born in London, and grew up in Abingdon, attending Dunmore School. Her love of music began here, composing her first piece at age 7. Drawn to various genres like pop, rock, and jazz, she explored music through piano and later the cello. She studied music at the University of Edinburgh and the Manhattan School of Music and has since then become one of the best known British composers. She was named as one of the top ten most performed contemporary composers in the world and the most-performed living female British composer in both 2022 and 2023. Here are a couple of her pieces:

Anna Clyne: Within Her Arms. Elim Chan conducts an ensemble of Philharmonia string players.

The Heart of Night with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.

See annaclyne.com for more information.

Frank, a beloved volunteer lock keeper at Abingdon Lock, was surprised and delighted with a celebration in his honour on Sunday. Frank has been an official volunteer lock keeper for the past 10 years, and did a couple of years before that unofficially. He is known for his friendly demeanor and willingness to help. He has the bunting from Sunday as a souvenir and some old photos of when he was a morris dancer.

The event was organized by a group of boaters and drew friends from far and wide. There was face painting, food, drink, music, and karaoke. Frank’s old Morris dancing team came to perform and stayed until late.

Frank had a wonderful time and was particularly amused by the face painting, which many people had done to look like him. “It was a lovely happy day,” he said, “put on by some lovely lovely people.”

The event was a testament to Frank’s popularity and the positive impact he has had on the community. He is a true asset to Abingdon and the Lock.

Thanks to the boaters, Karen and Bret, for the pictures on the day.

Roger Baker has been volunteering for 54 Years at Abingdon’s Oxfam Shop. He is probably the charity’s longest-serving volunteer.

Roger first started volunteering in May 1969, when he was inspired by a talk given by Joe Mitty, the manager of the first Oxfam shop. Mitty had secured the use of the former Boots premises in Abingdon’s high street rent-free and wanted to start a shop there. Baker was one of the first volunteers to sign up.

Over the years, Roger has seen many changes at the Abingdon Oxfam shop. The shop moved to Stert Street in 1971 and to its larger premises in 30-32 Stert Street in 1986. At the start everybody was a volunteer, but now there is a paid manager.

His particular job is treasurer, but being on the end of the phone and being retired – he was a Physics teacher, he will go down and do anything if he is free. He can work on the till, sort new Oxfam goods, do the washing up, or anything.

“It’s still a great place to volunteer, and very varied” he says. “It’s a chance to make a difference to the lives of others.”