Tree Trunk Chair

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A tree trunk in the Abbey Gardens has been cut to form a chair. A horizontal cut forms the seat which, when I sat on it, left my feet dangling above the ground. The backrest has larger oval rings where the cut angled through the trunk. An old scar marks where a low down branch once grew.

Here is the same tree – a low-spreading conifer – about five years ago. The nearby bench has since moved, and a litter bin stands in its place.

On the subject of trees shaped by unusual cuts, this tree near Tower Close Play Area has been left where it swallowed the upper part of the fence.

Thanks to Michael for pointing out the tree chair. I remember another one – near the lower entrance of the Abbey Gardens – cut from a larger tree – possibly a redwood. That must be thirty years ago.

The Finishing Touch says ‘Time to say Goodbye!’

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Inside The Finishing Touch today, it was cool and calm: past the sky-blue boat and fish ornaments, beneath colourful open umbrellas, through fragrance, jewellery, candles and handbags. The shop has colour-themed displays that at Christmas become a wonderland.

Now, after 23 years on Stert Street, the owners have announced that the shop will close at the end of July. The owner is ‘retiring’, while her daughter is moving on to ‘a new adventure.’

The news brought a response from passers by, with one describing it as one of Abingdon’s best independent shops. They remembered the Christmas displays, wrapped presents, window displays, and a place to go to for gifts for friends and family.

Its closure will be a loss for Abingdon town centre. In the meantime, there’s 25% off full-priced items. Before it closes, there’s still time for a final finishing touch.

Nine Days, Nineteen Degrees Difference

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The hottest day in May ever recorded in the UK saw temperatures in Abingdon reach 33°C.

The Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers, last seen at the St Edmund’s 850th celebrations (May 16th), began their day at the Harwell Feast. They took part in the parade and danced at the Feast before hot-footing it to Bampton for the Bampton Whitsun 2026 celebrations.

Back in Abingdon, Bank Holiday Walks were organised by the Friends of Abingdon. I caught up with a couple of the walk leaders after they finished. The 1556 Boundary Walk was partly led by the Town Crier, Cllr Penny Clover. It may have been the hottest Boundary Walk in 470 years.

The Lost Abbey tour, led by Dr Philip Kendrick, came 9 days after he led the same walk as part of the St Edmund’s 850th celebrations when the maximum temperature was 14°C according to https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/@2657780/historic

Abingdon Freewheeling Cycling Festival 2026

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It was already warm by 9:30 this morning as cyclists gathered on the Market Place in Abingdon town centre for the Abingdon Freewheeling Cycle Festival.

Riders signed up beneath gazebos before setting off on routes ranging from family rides to off road rides and longer and faster circuits through the Oxfordshire countryside. There were eight rides in all.

The Town Crier opened proceedings, welcoming riders of every kind, from ‘lycra clad hard-riding heroes’ to those preferring a gentler pace, before promising that everyone would share the same goal at the end: ‘a beer, a sandwich and a convivial chat at Loose Cannon Brewery.’

The first group headed out towards Goring, Wallingford and Dorchester after a short briefing from the group leader.

The heat was a talking point before the event, with organisers encouraging riders to bring water and sunscreen. By lunchtime, as cyclists returned to Loose Cannon Brewery, many headed to the bar after riding in what was the hottest day of the year so far.

Inside, the brewery offered welcome shade and cool air, while outside riders relaxed in the sunshine with burgers, drinks and conversations.

One rider commented that their ride had been a great experience, thanks to the group they were with. It was also clear that the Freewheeling committee and everyone who helped had played a big part in making it such a successful and enjoyable event.