Family, friends and former colleagues gathered at the Crown and Thistle to celebrate the life of Tom Duffy, known to many as Pat.

To residents of Abingdon town centre, Tom was a familiar and friendly presence — one of the well-known trio of Abingdon Town Council parking wardens, alongside Malcolm and Les. He took on the role after retirement, during a time when the wardens were well-liked by the community. They didn’t just issue tickets — they listened to residents’ concerns and passed them on to the Town Council, often acting as a bridge between local people and local government.

The trio were always ready to lend a hand beyond their official duties, stewarding the Michaelmas Fair and helping at other town events throughout the year.

Music played an important part in Tom’s life. He was often seen at Music at the Unicorn, and in an earlier photo — bearded — he looked every bit the Irish folk singer. People began calling him ‘Paddy,’ which soon became ‘Pat,’ the name that stuck.

Tom had requested a simple cremation. Jim Halliday, leader of the Town Council, described him as a no-fuss, down-to-earth person. But his family decided on this celebration at the Crown and Thistle, and the function room was packed. His friend and former colleague Malcolm remembered him as ‘a lovely chap,’ while his former boss Steve Rich called him ‘a thoroughly nice man.’

Tom will be fondly remembered by many in the town. His wife said she felt lucky to have met her soul mate so early in life — though no time could ever be long enough.

Red’s presence could not be ignored — his deep, bellowing voice, unfiltered and booming across the streets; his warm greetings to complete strangers; his tattooed face and hair dyed red.

Pirate or Red, he lived a life half on water, half on land. His narrowboat was camouflaged with a tarpaulin, flying a pirate flag on the Thames.

A familiar figure on the benches of Abbey Gardens, he shared long hours with friends. He was hired as security at a supermarket during the fair — a presence both trusted and intimidating. I heard he was a keen gardener, proud of his small patch of green. A man who knew suffering yet still helped others. On his Facebook page, he shared a quote: “The depth of your spiritual awakening is very much connected to the amount of darkness and pain you’ve gone through in your life …”

For the last decade and a half, he had been an Abingdon fixture since buying a narrowboat and moving here to start a new life. Somebody once did a video documentary of his previous life on YouTube but I don’t think its there any more. There was kindness and chaos — many saw a friendly soul, some found him threatening. In recent months, people wondered where he had gone. There were rumours about his health.

In the last few days, those rumours turned to news of his death, confirmed by an article in the Oxford Mail.

Those who knew him will remember him in their own way — but no one will forget him.

P.S. I must have a picture of him somewhere but used this one of red tulips in the Abbey Gardens where he often sat.

Anne Smart, a champion for the environment and her community, was remembered at a memorial gathering today.

The large turnout at Long Furlong Community Centre showed what an impact Anne had on peoples lives. Her work with Abingdon Cuts Plastic, AbiBinit, and the Abingdon Carbon Cutters has left a legacy in Abingdon.

Those who knew her best, said how Anne was not just a passionate advocate and leader but also kind and compassionate and full of humour. Her dedication to her community, from her early days as a nurse to her later role as a social worker, was shared by some.

Anne’s loss is felt by those who knew her best. Family and friends were very important to her.

But in Abingdon, her commitment to improving the environment will be missed. One way to honour her memory is to continue her work.

Donations at the end of the memorial gathering went to Sobell House, and the Abingdon Carbon Cutters.

There was a funeral today for Ena Mitchell at Trinity Church in Abingdon. She lived to 105.

She was born in 1918 and grew up in Hampshire.

She married Bill in 1939, but he died from wounds in the army in Belgium in 1944, eighty years ago. This left Ena alone to bring up their daughter.

Ena moved to Abingdon in 1954 when her daughter got a place at St Helen and Katherine School. Ena needed to find work and worked as a traffic warden and receptionist at the Oriel Hotel in Ock Street.

From her own experience, and after helping other war widows, Ena became a founding member of the War Widows Association.

She was actively involved in other community groups including the Royal British Legion, NSPCC, and Royal National Institute for the Blind. She served on committees and went round door to door fund raising.

Ena was also a dedicated member of Trinity Church where many of us met her. She celebrated her 100th birthday there in 2018, surrounded by loved ones.

She subsequently went to life in the Royal Star & Garter Care Home in High Wycombe, a home that looks after veterans and their partners. People could donate money to the Royal Star and Garter at the funeral service.

It was a lovely funeral led by Deacon Selina who told a far fuller story of Ena’s life and faith and service. Her grand daughter came over from Australia to give a eulogy. (The picture shows a recent birthday at the Star and Garter home.)