Category Archives: Events

Christian Aid Week 11 – 17 May

Christian Aid Week 11 - 17 May
On the Market Place last Saturday there was a Christian Aid stall to mark the start of Christian Aid week. Many houses will also receive a Christian Aid collection envelope through the door.
Christian Aid Week 11 - 17 May
Over half the Income of Christian Aid comes from this one week in the year, held during May since 1957. It is an opportunity for the Churches to work together, and provide assistance in places like Sudan and Syria where there is a great need.
Christian Aid Week 11 - 17 May
There was also a European School stall on the Market Place that same day. As well as the St Nicolas School Fair this coming Saturday, and the chance to try out bowling at Abingdon Bowling Club, there is also a May Fair at the European School. They have a Pupils Art Exhibition in The Chapel, and outside there will be activities for all the family, including circus skills, a giant slide, games, art & craft and the usual stalls you would expect.

The Town Council has Moved over the Weekend

Town Council Move
Armbands for Music in The Park are selling fast. They can be bought from the Town Council Reception if you can find it. It moved over the weekend to The Guildhall.
Town Council Move
On Saturday the reception was still at Old Abbey House. But everything was packed to move, and old papers were in white bags to be sent to be shredded.
Town Council Move
There has been a time of change at the Town Council with the move to the Guildhall, and a change of job roles generally. Recently the Town Council said goodbye to Sandra (Deputy Town Clerk), Marianne (Market Place Co-ordinator and Twin Towns Rep), and Sue (Mayor’s Secretary).

Their old offices stand empty waiting to see who buys Old Abbey House. Will it be an Art Centre, a Hotel, or Accommodation?

Abingdon Air and Country Show 2014

Air and Country Show 6
The Abingdon Air and Country show, at Dalton Barracks, attracted large crowds on May 4th 2014. The skies were clear and the sunny weather ideal for watching airplanes, walking round the stalls, and viewing all the vehicles on show. Any profits go to a good cause.
Air and Country Show 1
BBC Radio Oxford were broadcasting from the show. As part of their regular visits round the places in Oxfordshire their week in Abingdon co-coincided with the show. More about Abingdon from them next week.
Air and Country Show 3
I see in the Oxford Mail that there is an estimated crowd of up to 20,000, the biggest ever by all accounts.
Air and Country Show 5
The Brietling Wingwalkers were back for about the third year.
Air and Country Show 7
There are more picture on the Abingdon Blog Facebook page where Colin, one of the organisers says “Huge thanks to the many thoud=sands who supported the show today…I think I’m right in saying everyone had a great time.”

Any money raised goes to the Air Ambulance and other charities like the Royal British Legion.

Annual Abingdon Spring Cycle Festival

Annual Abingdon Spring Cycle Festival
This Sunday, the annual Abingdon Spring Cycle Festival took place in Abingdon.
Annual Abingdon Spring Cycle Festival
Group rides took place all morning from 4.5 mile rides, designed to get families riding together, and organised by Freewheeling and Pedal Power, through 10 and 20 mile road rides, 15 and 25 mile off road rides,  organised by Freewheeling,
Annual Abingdon Spring Cycle Festival
and the 40 mile rides organised by OTCC (Outdoor Traders Cycle Club).
Annual Abingdon Spring Cycle Festival
As well as cycling stalls, there was food, music, tombolas, massage and first aid.
Annual Abingdon Spring Cycle Festival
People were encouraged to bring and show off their more unusual cycle based transportation.
Annual Abingdon Spring Cycle Festival
The Abingdon Carbon Cutters were generating electricity from a bike to make smoothies. If only we could get all those static machines in gyms doing something useful!!!
Annual Abingdon Spring Cycle Festival
Enthusiasts were also queuing to have a go on the Tri-Power Spinning Challenge – a four minute static time trail.
Annual Abingdon Spring Cycle Festival
Against Breast Cancer have their own sponsored cycle event on May 18th from Swindon – the Great Western Ride, and were there to get people signed up for that.

As with every year that I remember the Spring Cycle Festival got lucky and had a beautiful sunny spring day, and it encouraged people to have a go and enjoy cycling. More pictures on Abingdon Blog Facebook.