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.)

Peter Green, the former Mayor of Abingdon from May 2006 to May 2007, passed away recently. He was born during World War II and served in the RAF. After retirement, he devoted his time to the community, serving as a Scout Leader for 22 years, a councillor on the Vale of White Horse District Council and Abingdon Town Council, and a Town Crier.

As Mayor, Green oversaw the celebrations for the 450th anniversary of the Abingdon Charter, which included two bun throws, the second of which was attended by Princess Anne. He was also passionate about the environment and oversaw the creation of the Ock Valley Walk and organised volunteer teams to eradicate the invasive Himalayan Balsam.

Peter was a well-respected and loved member of the Abingdon community, as is his wife Hilary, who was Mayor before Peter in 2003/04. Our sympathy to Hilary and family and friends. The town flag has been flying at half mast since his passing and his passing is a great loss.