Above the County Hall, in Abingdon, the Thames Valley Police Flag is flying at half mast.
PC Harper, based at Abingdon Police Station, and part of a rapid response operation, was killed last Thursday, attending a suspected burglary between Reading and Newbury.
At Trinity Church on Sunday we were all shocked to hear that Pastor Ed Evans is no longer with us, following a heart attack.
There was a time of silence in the service on Sunday Morning. It was probably the same in all the churches. Ed was well known as he chaired the Church in Abingdon.
At Trinity, Revd. Ian Griffiths prayed for Ed’s young family, and the Community Church – that Ed has led for many years, and everybody who has been close to Ed. He has been leading and helping so many community groups. His loss will be felt by many. I knew him as a Governor at Thameside School, where he also took assemblies, organised the wonderful prayer spaces that came to school, and helped with after school clubs.
Revd Ian said that Ed believed that there was more than this life. There is also life with God. God has prepared a place for Ed, and we sang the King of Love my Shepherd is which took me back to the memory of Diana Skellington and my first ever blog post – from January 2003.
In death’s dark vale I fear no ill
With Thee, dear Lord, beside me;
Thy rod and staff my comfort still,
Thy Cross before to guide me.
At St Helen’s Church this afternoon the Abingdon Town Mace was there at the Mayor’s pew. The Mace was draped in black for the Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Audrey Hasnip, the Mayor in 1999-2000.
Her husband, Keith Hasnip, had a similar service almost six years ago. He had also been Mayor.
Both services began with the hymn Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven and ended with the hymn Lord of all Hopefulness. Both services asked for donations for the NSPCC, and at both Reverend Dr Charles Miller officiated.
Reverend Charles gave a sermon for Keith’s service, but at Audrey’s service there was no sermon. Instead there were a lot of family tributes. There were also readings from The Wind in the Willows, Harry Potter, and Winnie-the-Pooh.
Regarding the Great Mace, Charles II’s restoration was in 1660, and from that date maces had to have the Royal Emblem again. During Cromwell’s time they bore the emblem of the House of Commons. An inscription at the base says “John Mayott, Gentleman, Mayor when this Mace was made for ye Corporation of Abingdon in ye County of Berks …” John Mayott was Mayor in 1651-1652 as well as 1659-1660. So 1660 could be when the mace was made, or remade with the Royal Emblem. (details from Abingdon and its treasures -1956)
Audrey Hasnip, the Mayor of Abingdon from 1999-2000, died a couple of days ago. We lost her husband, Keith, also a former Mayor of Abingdon, a few years ago.
They were both former school teachers. Audrey taught at St Helen’s School. Keith taught languages at Abingdon School. They also served as House Parents at Waste Court boarding house at Abingdon School. It was in their retirement that they got involved in local politics.
Audrey was a lovely lady and was there helping at Mother and Toddler group at St Helen’s Church when our children were young. She also sang in the choir at St Helen’s Church.
Audrey drew beautifully. She drew the little buildings on a town map that is still used. She also designed and edited a book about Abingdon called Cameos of Abingdon – celebrating Abingdon’s 450th Charter year in 2006. Keith and Audrey used to organise Heritage Open Day and had a great interest in all aspects of the town. All our sympathy to Audrey’s family.