Ride and Stride

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In Oxfordshire, a fundraising event called Ride and Stride takes place each year.

This year’s Ride and Stride was a bit different from the others. It was the hottest day of the year, and automotive traffic was gridlocked in places, most notably a place called Abingdon because of road works on the Drayton Road, a notorious black spot for traffic. But that didn’t stop the intrepid cyclists, walkers, and mobility scooters from making their way to the different churches.

One typical church in Abingdon is Trinity Church. The church welcomed visitors from Abingdon, Drayton, Hagbourne, Harwell, Milton, Oxford, Peppard, Sutton Courtney, and West Hendred.

One family visiting Trinity included a young boy who was interested in exploring the flower beds. After a short time, he returned with a collection of artifacts, including part of a clay pipe dating from about 1700 AD, part of a bone, and part of a roof tile.

Abingdon experiences warm week in September

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Temperatures have been soaring in Abingdon since Monday, with today reaching a high of 30°C. Tomorrow is predicted to be even hotter, with a maximum temperature of 31°C.

The Vale of White Horse District Council has reopened the splash pad in the Abbey Meadow, and it is expected to be a popular destination for families over the weekend. The kiosk was also reopened today.

This evening has been balmy, with people enjoying the warm weather on the River Thames.

 

What’s on this weekend in Abingdon

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The Abingdon Horticultural Society is hosting their annual Autumn Show this Saturday, September 9th, from 2pm to 4pm at the Northcourt Centre in Abingdon. The show will feature a variety of exhibits, including flowers, vegetables, fruit, plants, and handicrafts.

The annual Church Bike Ride and Stride is returning to Abingdon on Saturday, September 9th. This sponsored event is a great way to explore the town’s churches and get some exercise at the same time.

There will be nine churches manned in Abingdon, and many more further afield. Some of the churches will also be open for people to look around. The Abingdon route could take in:
* St Helens
* St Michael and All Angels
* Trinity Methodist and URC
* Abingdon Baptist Church
* St Nicolas
* Christ Church
* All Saints Methodist
* Peachcroft Christian Centre
* Our Lady and St Edmund of Abingdon

MG enthusiasts are invited to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the marque at a special event at Abingdon Cricket Ground on Sunday, September 10th. The event is open to all models of MG, from the very historic to the newest, and costs just £5 per car.

My Extinction will be screened at the Abbey Cinema on Friday September 8th from 7:30pm to 10:00pm. This documentary explores the potential extinction of humanity and the challenges we face in the 21st century.

Christian Garrick and The Budapest Café Orchestra will perform at the Amey Theatre on Saturday September 9th from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. This world-renowned orchestra will play a mix of traditional and contemporary Hungarian folk music.

A Visit from an MG Original Ten Pound Pom

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Thanks to Pete for this piece:

A few weeks ago, I had a knock on my door from a neighbour whose uncle was visiting from Australia. He asked if I would let him look at my MGs.

His name is John Prime, and he had a fascinating story to tell.

I left Abingdon for Australia as a “Ten Pound Pom” with my family in 1975 aged 34 years.

I started at the MG factory when I was 16 years old as a storeman/tea boy.

When I was 18, I went onto the production line for the Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite & subsequently, due to the lack of orders moved onto the Morris Van. Due to a downturn in the market, I left & went to work at AERE Harwell for 3 years.

In 1964 I had a recall from the MG factory & went back to work on the Austin Healey Sprite & from there to the MGC production line & when that finished I went onto the MGB assembly.

My memories of working at the MG’s was one of being very family orientated with my brother, brother in law & uncles all worked there too.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time there & as an original “£10 Pom” anything to do with MG’s & Abingdon will always hold a special place in my heart.

As a complete surprise for John I took him out for a spin in my MG RV8 convertible (built at Cowley in the 1990’s) & I arranged to take him down to the MG Car Club in Cemetery Road to meet Colin Grant & archivist Pete Neal who showed him around Kimber House. My thanks to Colin & Pete.

The photo of John is with my modified MGB GT (known as an RV8 GT) I think the transformation surprised him when he recalled his days of working on the MGB, he could not believe it when he saw the car battery located under the bonnet.

The photo shows John Prime with Pete’s modified MGB GT (known as an RV8 GT).