
It began with rain — a rare sight and, while welcome for the thirsty grass, not ideal for the morning of Fun in the Park. Thankfully, by lunchtime the skies cleared and warmer weather arrived just in time for a picnic held by members of Host Abingdon. They are seen behind Deputy Mayor, Councillor Andrew Skinner.

Throughout the day, between showers and sunny spells, entertainment continued on the stage. The Project Band performed during the lunchtime lull in the rain.

Food stalls, drink vendors, and a variety of community groups were out in force — including the Abingdon Town Amateur Boxing Club, who had a stall to promote their work.

Fun in the Park concluded mid-afternoon, making way for Music in the Park, a ticketed event (free for under 18s, £12.50 for adults). A light drizzle returned just as Country Bound took to the stage.

Councillor Neil Fawcett introduced the acts. He described The Undercovers — who played two lively and well-known sets — as ‘one of the best things to come out of Abingdon.’

The crowd agreed, dancing and singing along. Lead singer George gave a shout-out to Your Life Your Choice, where she volunteers, and several members of that group were among the audience.

Bringing the evening to a close were New Jovi, a Bon Jovi tribute band who gave it everything — from Livin’ on a Prayer to You Give Love a Bad Name.
End of Term BBQ at Abingdon Silver Club

A BBQ party marked the end of another successful year for the Abingdon Silver Club.
New members joining in September visited the workshop to get a feel for the wide range of equipment available and to view some of the jewellery created during the weekly sessions.
Boots Hearingcare Coming Soon to Bury Street, Abingdon

A new Boots Hearingcare branch is being worked on in Bury Street, Abingdon. Signs in the window announce ‘A World of Hearing – Coming Soon.’
This will be the third Boots branded shop on Bury Street, with a pharmacy and optician already further along the precinct.
The arrival of the hearing centre adds to a growing number of health and wellbeing shop fronts in the town centre. I heard recently, on the radio, that there is a trend nationally for more Health and wellbeing shops and more cafes in place of traditional shops.
Flexicare Charity Celebrates 40th Birthday

Flexicare held a party to celebrate their 40th birthday. Over 100 people went along — families, supporters, and team members, both present and past , including some from when the charity began in 1985.
There was party food, crafts, balloon animals, model trains, a sensory tent, and a visit from some Shetland Therapy Ponies.
Cutting the birthday cake, were two of the founders, Sara Hall and Sue Kenrick, joined by Paul, one of the first Flexicare children.
Flexicare (Oxford & Abingdon) is a charity that offers free, flexible support to families with disabled children. They provide trained sitters so that parents and carers can take a break, knowing their child is in safe hands.