Things That Caught My Eye Around Abingdon


At the top of West St Helen Street, the barriers have now been removed. Pedestrians can once again use the pavement on the left when heading up to High Street, and the alleyway leading down to the back of the Grapes pub, and the rear of other properties, is open again.

On the Market Place, members of the Christ Army Charismatic Ministries were offering food to people passing by — rice and peas and spices, chicken and salad. One young woman explained that they were also there to share the ‘good news’. The group meets at Larkmead School and grew from a small gathering that began near Dalton Barracks. They now serve food and offer to pray for people in the town as part of their outreach activities four times a year.

Above the County Hall Museum, a red, white and green flag was flying. At first it appeared to be the flag of a country. I looked up red, white and green and found Hungary, which seemed unlikely. The town council’s flag policy, has that 14 December marks the anniversary of the passing of the Representation of the People Act 1918, when the suffrage flag — purple, white and green — will be flown. On looking again, the top stripe must be purple. The suffrage flag is derived from the suffragette flag.

Carols in the Market Place


Members of the Church in Abingdon were singing carols in the Market Place today. They set up banners, including one of the stable scene in the Nativity Story. There was a craft table and face painting.

The Town Crier announced each of the carols. A keyboard player and violinist accompanied the singing.

Singing was led by Sally Mears.

There were even several dogs who joined in with the occasional bark.

Afterwards the Street Pastors offered hot pasties and mulled juice.

Above is a recording of just one of the many carols: Oh Little Town of Bethlehem with Sally Mears adding a Descant on the last verse.

What’s On in Abingdon: Mostly Christmas Events, 13–20 December

The Church in Abingdon will be singing carols in the Market Place on Saturday 13 December from 10am. Everyone is welcome to join in, and carol sheets will be provided. Musicians are encouraged to come along.

There’s an ADMS Christmas Concert on Saturday 13 December at 4pm in St Helen’s Church. It’s family-friendly and features The Nutcracker Suite, Sleigh Ride, and carols. It will support The Abingdon Bridge.

Abingdon Town Band Christmas Concert
Saturday 13 December, 7:30pm – Christ Church, Northcourt Road. Donations Welcome.

The Snowman Live is on Sunday 14 December – 1:30pm & 4pm – Amey Theatre, Abingdon School. It has live music performed by the Wantage Band.

The Abingdon Traditional Mummers will be touring the villages of Milton, Steventon, and Drayton (Monday 15 December evening), and  around the pubs of Abingdon town centre ( Wednesday 17 December evening). This traditional folk play shows the struggle of good against evil with sword fighting and healing and ends with We Wish you a Merry Christmas and rattling of the donation tin. Donations support St Ethelwold’s House.

A seasonal talk by Clare Goodall for the Abingdon Area Archaeology & History Society on Thursday 18 December, 7:45pm (doors 7:15pm) at the Northcourt Centre. Christmas tales and music from the Medieval and Renaissance, with thoughts of the obby Horse, wassailing, guising, the Feast of Fools and how music wanders over time. Suggested donation £4.

Abingdon Farmers’ Market
Friday 19 December, 8:30am–1:30pm – Market Place
The regular third-Friday market.


Against Breast Cancer Christmas Carols
Led by The Abingdon Rock Choir on Saturday 20 December, 4:30pm–6:30pm – Market Place.

The LAMPS Collective – Heavenly Realms
Saturday 20 December – 3pm (sold out) & 7pm – Peachcroft Christian Centre
Watch the Old Angel Pensioners at  ‘Heavenly Realms’ as they share memories of the first Christmas. Suitable for ages 8+. Tickets £10 adults / £5 children.

Ringing in the Season with the Abingdon Bell Ringers


I’ve come across the Abingdon Bell Ringers three times already this festive season. The first occasion was at the St Michael’s Christmas Fair, where the bells provided background music.

Next, I saw them at Abingdon Phab, where they not only performed but also led Phab members in singing a selection of traditional carols and allowed members to have a go. The bell ringers also set a Christmas quiz for Phab members.

Most recently, they played at Trinity Church’s Winter Warmer, as church members gathered for a shared meal and raised over £200 for Christmas charities.

The group needs at least six ringers to give a full performance, and they seem to have a pool of players to call on. A few familiar faces appeared at all three events, while others joined for one or two, keeping each performance slightly different. Handbell ringing has a long association with Christmas. It is a visual performance too as audiences can watch the movement of the bells.