Category Archives: pandemic

So called ‘Non Essential’ Shops to re-open from Monday June 15th

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Non Essential
The so called ‘non essential’ shops have permission to open from June 15th.
Non Essential
The shops have all been certified as ready to open after working out their social distancing, and cleaning measures.
Non Essential
Opening hours will be less than usual in many shops.
Non Essential
The almost three months closure of businesses has meant they had to look, during the closure, to online sales, deliveries, or pick and collect.

The list of those businesses allowed to open include:

  • Betting shops
  • Charity shops
  • Clothing shops
  • Gift shops
  • Mobile Phone shops
  • Art galleries

Not all shops in these categories will want to open immediately.

Hairdressers, beauty salons, pubs, and restaurants will have to wait until at least July before they open. They involve closer contact.
Non Essential
There is a one way system on the Market Place – managed by Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council, but not in places managed by other authorities or companies.

Building Work and Face Coverings

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Developments and Face Covering
There has not been a lot of building work at the front of the new Ock Street retirement flats during the Coronavirus pandemic lockdown.

What has changed during that time is people’s perceptions of what they value. Our town centre garden may be small but it has been a blessing during the sunny days when we were staying at home. The parks and green spaces around Abingdon town centre were another blessing.
Developments and Face Covering
The Fairacres Phase 2 development has continued during the lockdown and most of the metal structure is now in place.
Developments and Face Covering
Lidl are coming but I have not heard what businesses will follow.

The long term impact of the pandemic on businesses is unknown. In the short term there will be a greater need for social distancing in stores. Online shopping, and click and collect became more important during the lockdown.
Developments and Face Covering
PPE has become an everyday term. The advice on wearing face masks and coverings has changed. PPE allows trades people to work in people’s houses, and will be a way to open up smaller businesses. Face coverings will become compulsory for people using public transport in England from Monday 15 June. More and more people are wearing face coverings in Waitrose.

Paul Smith’s thought for today is Black Lives Matter … https://www.abingdon-st-helens.org.uk/TFTD/Paul_Smith_2020_06_09_TFTD.mp3.

Beth Fleming

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Volunteering
This photograph from Easter 2007 shows members of Abingdon Baptist Church about to give out Easter eggs.

We got news yesterday from Revd David Fleming (on facebook) that Beth Fleming ( in the centre of the picture), died in intensive care with complications following Covid-19.

Many of you will remember that she became the Chairmum of the VWHDC (Vale of White Horse District Council) in 2010-11. Married to David, she had four children, and took a degree as a geochemist. She had run all sorts of breakfast clubs, and scout troops, and toddler and baby clubs over the years – some at school, some at Abingdon Baptist Church where David was the Minister. She put family before self and showed what a mother should be, welcoming many into her extended family. This was good training for getting involved in Abingdon local politics and becoming the chairmum of the district council. Her genuine concern for other people helped her win her council seat.

She was a great support to David as a Church Minister.  She met him as a teenage member of Cemetery Road Baptist Church  and saw the potential in him to be a minister long before he knew himself. As chairmum, David became her escort in turn.

After leaving Abingdon David and Beth have been at Limbury Baptist Church in Luton for several years.

Our thoughts are with David and family.