Category Archives: books

Thanksgiving for the life of Michael Hambleton

Thanksgiving
On Friday there was a Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Michael Hambleton, minister of Abingdon Baptist Church from 1991 to 2000.
Thanksgiving
He enjoyed local history and wrote the story of Abingdon Baptist Church from 1649-2011 – a book called ‘A Sweet and Hopeful People’.
Thanksgiving
During his time as Minister, the 35 Ock Street project transformed the old manse, which had been in a sorry state, into the Church in Abingdon open house. It is now manned by teams from the different churches and open Mon-Fri 10.30 – 2.00 pm, and Saturday 10.30 – 12.30 pm.

Michael said in his book, “This was not so much the minister’s vision as the church’s vision”

But I dare say it took his prayers, leadership, and encouragement to see the project through.

Story Lab Challenge @AbingdonLibrary

Story Lab Challenge
Thanks to Iain for this picture and report …

Story Lab is a scheme Abingdon Library have been running over the summer with the able assistance of some young volunteers.

The challenge they set children was to read 6 books over the summer holidays. Today there was a ceremony in the library where the mayor presented medals and certificates to children who had successfully completed the challenge.

Rosie the librarian told watching parents that over 500 children had participated this year, with more than 200 completing the challenge, which is more than 100 more than last year. Between them they read an impressive 2000 books over the holidays.

We are very lucky to have such an active and well supported library in Abingdon. Follow them on twitter @AbingdonLibrary.