Abingdon Library’s Windows and Beyond

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Built between 1973 and 1977, Abingdon library is part of The Charter, originally devised as the Broad Street North Redevelopment scheme, while Abingdon Borough was still in existence. (Abingdon’s local authorities all changed in 1974). The Charter, when finished, was run jointly by Oxfordshire County Council and the new Vale of White Horse District Council. It housed the library, medical centre, doctor’s surgery, social services, pensioners’ day centre, and a multi-storey car park.

The charter has dark red bricks, a variety of grey slate roofs , walkways on different levels, and plantings of trees and bushes.

The library also a view towards Poundland and Broad Street.

Another window has a view towards the decorative wall that holds The Charter foundation stone (1973) and the official opening stone (1977). The wall looks like part of an old castle, possibly a reminder of 1556  – the original Abingdon Borough Charter.

Saturday’s Holocaust Memorial Day

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The Monday Market came back to life after last Monday’s winds. No more missing canvas covers or missing stalls, just people doing their shopping and chatting.

But the flag above County Hall … was it missing? Half-mast maybe? As I looked, the white flag lifted a little, and at first, I thought it said “World Women’s Day.”

Ah, but no! The flag must have been put up for Saturday’s Holocaust Memorial Day.

On January 27th, the world remembers the horrors of the Holocaust. This day was established by the United Nations in 2005.

It marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, a Nazi concentration camp where millions of people were murdered during World War II.

It remembers the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, as well as the millions of other victims of Nazi persecution, including Romani people, Jehovah’s Witnesses, homosexuals, and people with disabilities. There were two Jehovah’s Witnesses with their trolley of leaflets beside the Market Place, and during the day on the Market Place, many jews, people of Romani descent, homosexuals and people with disabilities.

Twelve Acre Drive Homes Rise with flood plans

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The first houses have appeared at the new development off Twelve Acre Drive. They can seen near the sales office.

The developers plan to build a total of 371 homes in this phase, ranging from 2 to 5 bedrooms, with prices from £399,950 to £699,950 (as seen on their website). There will also be pavilions and sports pitches.

Since the development is near the Radley Park Ditch (shown in the bottom right corner of the image above), the developers have submitted a flooding model as a follow up to their planning permission.

There have been concerns about flooding downstream from the development, near the Peachcroft basketball pitch. A meeting last week of residents and local councillors were given updates on the flooding on Appleford Drive, Rainbow Way, and Chilton Close, caused by the Radley Park Ditch.

I believe the issue is water backing up from the culvert gate at that point, which needs to be kept clear. (Last 3 pictures from 5th January 2024, the morning after the overnight flooding).

20 Years of Dedication: Abingdon Volunteers Honour Judy Hashman (+ Volunteers Needed)

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Abingdon and District Volunteers recently recognised Judy, their dedicated secretary, for 20 years of outstanding service. Sue Stevens, the organisation’s longest-serving volunteer, presented the award.

Abingdon and District Volunteers provide a vital service to the community; transporting people to essential appointments like hospitals, doctors, surgeries, and day centres when using public transport or taxis is difficult.

Do you enjoy driving, helping people, and have some spare time? Abingdon and District Volunteers are seeking more volunteers to join their team. For more information, contact Malvin Drakley, email:malvin@ic24.net.

On the subject of the need for volunteers, Abingdon’s Darby & Joan Club needs YOU! This social club for retired people needs new volunteers to run the club as the current leader is standing down. They meet fortnightly at St Helen’s Church Hall and have a membership of 20-30 people. The club is due to close on 27th February without additional volunteers. The club has guest speakers, entertainment, and tea and coffee, and is a good way for members to get out and meet new people and friends. Please ring Rachel Poole at Age UK Oxfordshire on 0345 4501276 for more information.