Lantern Floating in Abingdon

11 Replies


The Abingdon Peace Group had their first lantern-floating this Friday, 9th August, the anniversary of the Nagasaki bombing. There were messages from the Mayors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and a group of about 40 people made a community affirmation of peace round the Peace Pole in St Ethelwold’s Garden.

Emiko, the teacher in Hiroshima whose students made and painted the lanterns sent a message: Today is August 6th, which marks the 79th anniversary of the atomic bomb attack. Hiroshima was enveloped in prayer. And we, who wish for a peaceful world, are encouraged with you and your activity.

People then processed to St Helen’s Wharf to light the candles and launch the lanterns.

The lanterns floated and made a peaceful scene and as the sun set they were gathered back by a couple of canoes.

Shaping Abingdon’s Future with a Neighbourhood Plan

1 Reply


On 31st July 2024, Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council approved the draft Neighbourhood Plan, a document that outlines a vision for the town until 2041.

The plan was developed by a dedicated group of volunteers with support from local councillors and organisations.

There will be a consultation on the draft plan after which a revised version will be formally submitted. If that meets legal requirements, the plan will be put to a public referendum vote. If successful The Neighbourhood Plan becomes a formal document that must be considered in planning decisions.

At the beginning of the draft plan is a vision and some aims and objectives which begin ‘Ensure that land made available for new developments better facilitates and maintains a vibrant, connected, economically active and sustainable Abingdon without adding to congestion or flood-risk.’

To read more see the draft plan is at: https://www.abingdon.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Draft-Neighbourhood-Plan-July-2024.pdf

The Olympic Spirit

2 Replies


There have not been as many photo opportunities as when the Olympic torch came through Abingdon in 2012 but Helen and Douglas House

and Sue Ryder have window displays on an Olympic theme.

Nearby Radley College produced some Olympic rowing talent in 2024. I have found no direct Olympic link to Abingdon this year, but the town’s sporting spirit is undoubtedly alive and well. The last picture is the running track at Tilsley Park in Abingdon.