There was an exhibition of memories from the 1940s and 50s at the Abingdon Resource and Wellbeing Centre on Saturday. It included pictures, videos, and art work. A number of the stars of the exhibition were there to answer questions …

Stella Coulling had signed up to become a bus conductor at the start of the war, and then went on a two week training course to become a bus driver, which she passed.

She said it was not easy driving a large bus in blackout conditions – particularly in the rain when hundreds of workers were leaving the Morris Motors plant on bikes with no lights.

To read more about this excellent exhibition visit Sharon Woodward’s Blog . There are links to a number of  films shown at the exhibition: the first one is about Stella. Another shows John Mason School students who had a go at making cakes with war time ingredients. The Brownies were helping at the exhibition, serving teas, and are also featured on the films.

The new stain glass windows in the chapel in Abingdon School were on view at Heritage Open Day for the first time.

The Town Crier called from the roof of the County Hall for the first time to check if he could be heard.

There seemed to be more houses open in East St Helen Street than ever, and more houses had their histories in their front window.

60 East St Helen Street and Twickenham House opened their doors for the first time for Heritage Open Day.

The weather was just about perfect

It was a chance to see new views not seen before  of Abingdon.

In the Old Abbey Buildings a new Time Line showing the history of Abingdon Abbey has just been unveiled.

It is part of the Lost Abbey of Abingdon project that has brought together the skills and knowledge of a number of leading local historians. Together at the opening were members of the Lost Abbey Project some of whom used to work for the Vale of White Horse District Council, before being let go, some are from Abingdon and Area Archaeological and Historical Society, and the timeline is hosted by the Friends of Abingdon.

Back in the middle ages the impending end of the world was a hot topic. Some believed it would occur during the 13th century. The date was first put at 1260, and then revised when that date came and went.

This illustrated manuscript in the British Library, in London, dates from that time of excitement in the 13th Century. I am not sure where the manuscript was created but it is called The Abingdon Apocalypse because of a note on the fly leaf first in French then translated into English which is supposed to say “This book is loaned to Dame Joan, by the grace of God Queen of Scotland by the abbot and convent of Abingdon… .’

The complete manuscript is at the British Museum in London. To see some apocalyptic illustrations follow this link and look around … The Abingdon Apocalypse .