In 1911 Douglas Macmillan started up the ‘Society for the Prevention and Relief of Cancer’. 100 years later Macmillan Cancer Support is still there to improve the lives of people affected by cancer. I asked this chap what it was like being 100 years old.
Last night on Channel 4 there were some good shots of Abingdon on a program called SEVEN AGES OF BRITAIN .
In the Sixth Age 1350 – 1530 AD: Bettany Hughes ended the program in Abingdon where she spoke about the building of Abingdon Bridge by the Fraternity of the Holy Cross. The Fraternity of the Holy Cross (fraternitatus siue gilde sancte crucis) was abolished by Henvy VIII along with Abingdon Abbey. Most of the power of the Fraternity passed to Christ’s Hospital (a charity) in 1553. And Christ’s Hospital are still going strong with Almshouses in Abingdon. They may be the only remaining charity in Britain that run a park for the public good – that is Albert Park.
At Trinity Church people paid £7.50 each to take part in what was called a ‘Big Sing’ to raise money for Christian Aid. It went on for about three hours with a coffee break in the middle. Most of the people seemed to be keen, proficient singers. I recorded one typical song. After a practise of this song the people were split into groups and did it as a 4 part round.
Last night was the Mayor’s Charity Ball. The Abbey Hall was transformed by drapes and balloons. There was a lot going on for the £45 ticket price. During the meal there was music by a string quartet from Abingdon School. A charity auction followed.
There was a back to front raffle where everybody was given a prize and then asked for money and given a gift aid form. One raffle prize was a signed picture of the Mayor in Morris Dancer’s dress which is likely to be auctioned by the winner on Ebay to make more dosh for the Mayor’s Charities: Abingdon Bridge and The Fire Fighter’s Charity.
There was also entertainment by Kevin Tomlinson, and then music by Full Circle. Congratulations to those who gave their services for free and helped raise so much money.