1953 and 2023 Coronations

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In 1953, it rained for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. That coronation was broadcast in black and white on small screens.

In 2023, it rained for the coronation of her son, King Charles III. But a lot had changed when it came to broadcasting.

The Abbey Cinema in Abingdon laid a red carpet.

They had bunting and an array of food and drink fit for a coronation.

In 2023, people could watch the ceremony at the Abbey Cinema on the big screen and have food and drink served by ordering on their telephones.

King Charles III was crowned in Westminster Abbey. The image appeared simultaneously in the Abbey Cinema in Abingdon.

The moment was also seen in pubs, cafes, church halls, and homes throughout Abingdon and even on the X3 bus leaving Abingdon for Oxford.

Service of Celebration for the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III

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The bells of St Helen Church were ringing this evening for the 7:30 pm Service of Celebration for the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.

The church choir were joined by other Abingdon choirs and sang some of the anthems that will be sung at the Coronation tomorrow. The church was full.

We were told about some of the significant stages of the coronation: The Recognition, The Anointing ( as with Queen Elizabeth II, this will not be shown publicly), and The Crowning.

There were bible readings by the Mayor, Councillor Andy Foulsham; Revd Rachael Hughes, Minister of Abingdon Baptist Church; and Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Mrs Felicity Dick.

Revd Paul Smith told us his thoughts on the coronation and its religious significance, and at the end, we sang God Save the King.

Election Count and Abingdon results

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The local election count took place today at the White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre.

Four years ago, the count occurred in the centre gym. The centre’s larger indoor tennis area was used successfully at the County Council election two years ago and again today.

At one end was the count for the South Oxfordshire District Council and parish councils in South Oxfordshire.

At the other end was the count for the Vale of Horse District Council and parishes.

After the count, the number of councillors on Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council remains unchanged, with 18 Lib-Dems and 1 Green.

The Conservative Party lost all 6 of their councillors on the district council, and the Lib-Dems and Green Party gained 3 each. There are now 34 Lib-Dems and 4 Greens.

Congratulations to all the winning candidates, and commiserations to those that lost.