Local heroes are being celebrated nationally with steel effigies and benches next to the National Cycle Network. The project is in recognition of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee year and had funding from the Department for Transport.

The heroes chosen in Abingdon are Mieneke Cox, the St Helen’s Church archivist and Abingdon museum curator who left a legacy of books about Abingdon.

The second effigy represents a local volunteer/community group member – one of many who give their time to improve Abingdon’s environment.

Oxfordshire Art Weeks is on with twelve venues in Abingdon, mostly this week. Check the website or brochure for the times.

At the Guildhall, the large cloakroom area is being used for an exhibition by the Oxon Artmakers.

St Nicolas Church has an exhibition by the artists of the Abbey Group.

Peachcroft Farm Barn has paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewellery and textiles.

They include works by Maísa Stolz, a Brazilian sculptor, who has animals re-enacting old masters. Here is a sheep Mona Lisa, next to paintings by well-known Abingdon artist Sue Hill.

Four large artworks by Revd Ian Griffiths, the minister of All Saints and Trinity churches in Abingdon, are being shown in the South Ailse of St Helen’s Church. These are part of a sequence called The Word Beyond Words and explore a different approach to thinking about God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The exhibition is in two parts. From 27th March – 8th April 2023 were shown Wil and Hinri.

And from 10th April – 22nd April, Fawkes and Ed are being shown. Each hanging has notes to prompt reflection.

The church is open between 10 am and 3 pm to see these works and the rest of the church.

The Abingdon Artists’ Spring Exhibition is at St Helen’s Church from Monday, 13th to Saturday, 18th March 2023 (10 am – 4:30 pm).

There are over 100 original works of art by over 40 members of Abingdon Artists, most of which are for sale. There are also cards and many unframed works available for purchase. There is a raffle to win a painting of Abingdon Bridge.

This evening there was an Artists’ Evening for members and spouses/friends.

Entry is free, and all are welcome.