Abingdon Museum cannot easily open the windows to let through fresh air between visitors but what they have is a Virus Neutraliser that also acts as an air conditioner. It sends out ozone after the staff have left. Ozone can neutralise any coronavirus in the air and on surfaces, and the ozone is gone by next day.

We booked a slot in the museum to view the exhibition on Haptic art. A group of textile and mixed media artists have created works inspired by exhibits that can also been found in the museum standing collection.

They include a floor tile from Abingdon Abbey.


To see other works including a bent spoon, Saxon comb, and more, book your slot at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/visit-abingdon-museum-tickets-112962584130

Browsing the visitors book in Abingdon County Hall Museum there were a number of comments written in characters that appear to be from Asia.

In 2019 the estimated population of China was 1,420,062,022. India was 1,368,737,513. India will soon overtake China. Both are about 20 times more populous than the UK.

One comment in the book has been translated “Lovely little town. Lots to See”.

MG is now owned by a Chinese Company and so the MG exhibits could be of interest.

There is a rich history of wood carving in China and India so visitors could be interested in the carved mirror.

The building itself and the painted staircase are very striking to any visitor. There will be a new temporary exhibition from 11th January called Mr Hemmings Hat & Other Curiosities – celebrating 100 years of Abingdon museum’s collections.

There is an exhibition at Nicolas Church, in Abingdon, called Peace and War. On one side there are pictures done by school children in Abingdon, and nearby villages, on the theme of Peace.

Trinity Learning asked schools and school children to make pictures, what peace means to them?

Peace
People sitting quietly
Everything is awesome!
Appreciating my favourite book
Crossed legged on the carpet
everyone getting along well.
(by Oliver aged 6)

On the other side are pictures from children in Dafur, in a refugee camp. They were given pencils and paper and asked to draw their hopes and fears.

A lot of the pictures show the conflict they had known.

This exhibition is on until Saturday.

The OXRAIL (model railway) exhibition was at Abingdon & Witney College today. There were 39 railway layouts; a number of trade stalls selling modelling kit; and a vintage bus giving rides outside. It was organised by the Oxford District Model Railway Club.

There was a chance to see Ealing Road, featured on the Channel 5 TV Series The Great Model Railway Challenge.

The Snake Bend Railroad was the largest model and was to be found upstairs in the college’s Art Workshop. Different modellers follow standards about how the modules join up and then create a model depending on who can bring their modules.

There were also a number of small layouts that appeared to travel in suit cases.

The models were enjoyed by children

and adults alike. People could drive the trains on some of the layouts.

A lot of painstaking effort goes into each model and I was surprised to find out how many people I know have their own model railway at home. They have gained skills in planning, engineering, woodworking, electrical circuitry and miniature painting.

Even though Abingdon has no railway station, there are conservatories, attics and spare rooms across Abingdon filled with tiny trees, scale buildings and model railways.