Category Archives: pandemic

Celebration of Carers is ending its spot on Thursday at 8pm. Next up ….

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Last applause
In West St Helen Street there was a good turn out for the final Thursday 8 PM celebration of carers. Every Thursday people are encouraged onto the doorsteps by a member of the Oxford Caledonian Pipe Band with a drum

In Thesiger Road, George Haslam has been playing the clarinet on Thursdays at 8pm, and on this final week he appeared with a saxophone to play Over the Rainbow.

There will be other ways to show our appreciation to carers like making sure they are paid fittingly for their heroic efforts in future.
Last applause
We can also find new ways to come together as a community. One such is Abingdon Zoo Day this coming Sunday.

Virtual Local Politics and Neighbourhood Plan

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Virtual Local Politics and Neighbourhood Plan
The Vale of White Horse District Council (VWHDC) had an online planning meeting this morning using Microsoft Teams.

On the agenda was the Old Gaol proposed change of use (for one unit) from restaurant to dental surgery.

Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council can also hold internet meetings and they started last week with the Guildhall Meeting on 21st May. They are using WebEX.

Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council have also started the process of the Neighbourhood Plan. In the short to medium term the consultation process will have to use the internet rather than round table discussions.

There are more details at https://abingdon.gov.uk/neighbourhood-plan.
Virtual Local Politics and Neighbourhood Plan
If the plan is agreed by over 50% of those in Abingdon, that can vote, then Abingdon will have more control over its own destiny.

Abingdon cannot change the number of houses to be built as decided by VWHDC in their local plan,  but can get more control how the CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) is spent.

Oxfordshire Artweeks

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Oxfordshire Artweeks
We are during the time when we would normally be able to go visiting studios for Oxfordshire Artweeks.
Oxfordshire Artweeks
People are painting and creating more art than usual and showing it from windows.

Oxfordshire Artweeks has gone virtual this year, and there are a series of virtual tours showing workshops or themed pictures with background music.

Oxfordshire Artweeks
Galleries are closed during coronavirus (COVID-19) but there are pictures that might have appeared at galleries online. In Abingdon the members of the Abbey Group, including Dougie Simpson, have pictures online.

The Oxford Mail has a feature on artists who have been inspired by Coronavirus, isolation and NHS heroes.

On Channel 4 “Grayson’s Art Club”, showcases art made by the British public trapped at home. Some of the 10,000+ pieces submitted were from Abingdon. Last week the theme was ‘View from My Window‘.

Oxfordshire Artweeks
This is a photo of the view from our window this evening.

Mental Health Awareness Week – St Ethelwolds

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Mental Health Awareness Week - St Ethelwolds
Mental Health Awareness Week was from 18-24th May 2020. The Mind centre in Abingdon is currently closed but Mind in Oxfordshire has online advice about coronavirus and your wellbeing. They also had a virtual tour in Santorini

Here is my own virtual tour of St Ethelwolds House in East St Helen Street.
Mental Health Awareness Week - St Ethelwolds
There were five other people there: a mother and child playing on the lawn; two ladies talking at a table, and somebody working on some repairs. Nobody was making much noise and the birds were singing.
Mental Health Awareness Week - St Ethelwolds
Many people are affected emotionally and psychologically by the everyday challenges and worries that the pandemic brings, whether the illness itself, financial worries, living in lockdown, or being asked to go back to work. The Citizen’s Advice at Coronavirus – what it means for you/ includes advice for people worried about going back to work.
Mental Health Awareness Week - St Ethelwolds
Mark’s wildflower meadow at St Ethelwold’s is named after a young man with Mental Health problems who died tragically after having his benefits cut. Mark loved nature and the garden.
Mental Health Awareness Week - St Ethelwolds
Some of us have found during the lockdown that being in nature can boost our mental wellbeing and ease stress.
Mental Health Awareness Week - St Ethelwolds
St Ethelwold’s House is a welcoming spiritual centre offering a place of sanctuary and quiet to all.
Mental Health Awareness Week - St Ethelwolds
There is also a sanctuary room used by a variety of groups. In this virtual tour you could imagine going in there and being still.