Thanks to David who sent me this picture, last week, of the flag at half mast on the County Hall in Abingdon. He said “I assume in honour of Mrs. T.”
A week later, the flag was at half mast again.
The funeral was today.
It was very cold for Palm Sunday and so it was decided that the start and end of the first ever Abingdon Passion Play would be performed outside, as planned, but some of the two hour performance would have to be in the Guildhall.
As was fitting for Palm Sunday the performance began with Jesus on an Andalucian riding donkey, thanks to the Island Donkey Centre.
Then, after a couple more scenes, people moved from the Abbey Grounds to the Guildhall where, despite the use of the Abbey Hall and an overflow area in the Roysse Room, not everybody could fit. Somebody said there were about a thousand people when it started. So some had to wait outside or go home. A great turn out for such a cold day.
My son did get in and let me have this picture of the Last Supper.
When Jesus left the Guildhall he was stumbling under the weight of a cross.
People felt very sorry for the two half frozen criminals crucified either side of Jesus who had to spend twice as long on their crosses.
The performance was very well staged, thanks partly to the Abingdon Drama Club. There were so many community groups and schools taking part it was much bigger than a Church in Abingdon event. It was one of the big Abingdon events of 2013.
Here is a video I made of stills and movies for anybody who missed it …
On Saturday I heard there were actors from the Abingdon Passion Play in town and went out with my camera, but couldn’t find Jesus. So I was very pleased to be sent some pictures – taken at last weekend’s rehearsal.
The main performance will be this coming Sunday from 1pm – for soaking up the atmosphere, and 2pm for the main performance in the Abbey Gardens. Children and adults can even be part of the experience by dressing as a biblical character and bringing a ‘palm leaf’ to wave.
More details about it all at www.abingdonpassionplay.org.uk.
Between 1959 and 1974, twelve of Handel’s operas, some unseen since the composer’s lifetime, were performed at the Unicorn Theatre. To help celebrate 60 years of the Unicorn there is another Handel Opera, namely Semele. Check out the seating plan and go to the Unicorn Opera Link for date and prices. H5 and H6 will be the best seats in my opinion.
Dunmore Pre-school has been running since 1967 and in 1998 they purchased a new (but second hand) building which is now a little worse for wear. They are raising funds to buy a new building. £10.00 per team to enter their charity quiz at The Kings Head and Bell in Abingdon. Wed 13th March 2013 19:30 – 21:30. Email: administrator@dunmorepreschool.co.uk. The picture above was taken in 2011.
And at Preston Road Community Centre this Saturday there is a Table Top Sale on behalf of the Caldecott Forest School. Advert seen in the Honey Pot.