Cosener’s House is a conference centre owned by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) in Abingdon. The STFC is a government and industry-funded organisation which runs some important scientific research facilities.

The STFC does not have exclusive use of Cosener’s House. The facilities are open for weddings, conferences, rooms, and meals. After going to the Becca Caldecott exhibition the other day I bought a coffee and looked around the grounds. There were a few other people at tables. On leaving, a larger party had started to gather.

Over the last two years, work has been done where the Cosenor’s House gardens look out on the River Thames. There is now a wharf and a stronger river wall.

The Victorian grotto has also been strengthened this year and is a safe place to enjoy the view.

Homebase will be opening its store in the Fairacres retail park later in September. Some of the staff, made redundant when the old store was closed for demolition in 2019, could well return.

The store takes the last three units at the Fairacres phase 2 redevelopment. Fairacres is full. The new garden center was an addition to the original development and is completed and being filled with stock.

The open day and market at Loose Cannon brewery was a chance to look around the brewery and to see some well-known Abingdon market stalls inside a brewery.

Busby’s Bees took a swarm of bees, honey, and beeswax into the brewery.

Martin, of Devine Times Photography, had a selection of photographic prints and calendars.

Abingdon Gin and another dozen stalls were also there.

Suffolk Way, off the Drayton Road, once comprised eight anonymous industrial/warehouse units made of brick and metal cladding. Now the units have opened up to the world and lots of local people visit.

There is also the Kathleen Turner charity shop

and the Oxford Wood Recycling with ideas for wood and recycled wood for sale.

The carpenters of Oxford Wood Recycling have recently transformed Broad Street in Oxford into an area of raised beds with wildflowers, and grass with lots of wood seating – a good place to relax during a trip to Oxford.

The Little Tea Room in East St Helen Street closes on 28th August.

This is so that Claire, Louise, and the team can spend more time with family members. Covid has also made the future very uncertain and tough for small independents. During the lockdown, they adapted by selling takeaway boxes.

Many customers visited the Little Tea Room for the last time and booked in advance, and so places have been limited in the last week.

An example of what was on offer is shown above. This is just one of 6 menus. There are a huge variety of sandwiches and teas.