Thanks to Paul for these pictures of the Aurora last night from the Abingdon Rugby Club. Amazing!
Huge bursts of energy from the Sun hit Earth’s magnetic field, causing a beautiful light show with colourful streaks across the night sky!
For those of us who missed it last night, there could be another chance tonight. The Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is rarely seen as far south as Abingdon.
Abingdon Walking Festival: Join guided and self-guided walks showcasing Abingdon’s beautiful surroundings. The event runs from 9am to 4pm on Saturday, May 11th. See the walk options at Abingdon Walking Festival.
Witness Tradition: Mayor Making Ceremony: On Wednesday, attend the annual Mayor Making ceremony at St Helen’s Church, where the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor are installed.
Support Local Music: Make Music Abingdon: Looking for new music? Head to the Loose Cannon Taproom on Thursday for an original music showcase night featuring up-and-coming bands.
Ladygrove Meadow FunFair: Enjoy rides and treats at the Ladygrove Meadow FunFair. With good weather expected for Saturday.
Abingdon has unveiled a new signpost outside the Guildhall and council offices in Bridge Street. This signpost points visitors towards the town’s five twin towns and two sister cities: Abingdon, Virginia (USA) and Thames, New Zealand.
The arrows on the signpost not only indicate direction but also display the distance to each location and the national flag of the respective town or city.
The formal unveiling ceremony, held on Europe Day (May 9th, 2024), was officiated by Mayor of Abingdon, Councillor Gwyneth Lewis. Plans are underway to install a new notice board near the signpost, providing further information about Abingdon’s twinning relationships.
The European flag flew over the County Hall during the day.
People walking through St Helens Churchyard, Margaret Brown Gardens, and the bottom of St Amand Drive may have noticed what appear to be silkworms dangling from bushes. However, I believe these are Box Tree Moth caterpillars, an invasive species from Asia.
Unlike silkworms, which can be beneficial, Box Tree Moth caterpillars are harmful. They spread webs round plants, devour leaves, and leave plants bare and brown. I could not see a single green leaf remaining on the bushes. In severe cases, they can even kill the bush.
BBC Gardener’s World has more about them and their treatment.