Abingdon Town Band play in the Market Place

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It seems quite a while since Abingdon Town Band last played in the Market Place, but they were back this Saturday morning for the pleasure of people seated at the coffee houses, and passers-by. They played under the direction of conductor Steve Rich. This historic brass band, established before the 20th century and reformed in 1965, is gearing up to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2025. Two of the members, Steve Rich and Elaine on cornet, have been a part of the band since its reformation. They must have both begun as very young players in the band’s training program.

Abingdon’s Shared Pop-Up Shop

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The pop-up shop on Bath Street, next to the Lounge Cafe, was launched in June 2024, and offers a platform for Abingdon’s crafters and small businesses to showcase their wares.

The shop is shared. Local crafters can rent the space for a day, a few days, or even a recurring slot. This allows them to test the waters of a physical shop without a long-term commitment, while offering shoppers a changing selection of unique products.

Today, you would find photographer Martin Wackenier displaying his photographs, including three taken yesterday. Martin will be there once a month as well as at the Monday Market and Local Excellence Market

Tomorrow (Saturday 28th Sept), B&I Beads and Andy’s Antiques will be there.

Past participants include Eben Lark with their soft furnishings, Lots of Love Ceramics, Catkin Tree Studio’s, and Hinton Kitchen Candle Co.

In the window a poster has upcoming participants and further information for potential hirers.

Abbey Buildings Enhancement Project – planning application

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A planning application P24/V1831/FUL has been submitted for the Abbey Buildings enhancement project .

A proposed extension in front of the Unicorn Theatre will serve as a lobby, with accessible toilets for visitors and an accessible changing room for performers. The planning application also covers adding windows to the Long Gallery.

Also in the project but not requiring planning permission is a four-way platform lift between the Lower and Long Gallery, with access from the Undercroft (which could serve as a cafe).

The theatre’s floor will be aligned with the stage, level with the entrance. Retractable seating would be added.

All aspects of the design have been shared with Historic England who are reported to be enthusiastic about the changes so far but will require attention to detail.

The changes are particularly important for older audience members and those with disabilities, as they address access and accessible toilets.

Proposed leaded windows in the Long Gallery will follow 16th-century glazing practices, and could be removed without damage in future (openings are currently open to the elements and covered with blinds). Windows will help make the building easier to warm and use during the colder months.

Residents in Abingdon experience repeat flooding

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Residents in Abingdon faced repeated flooding, with several roads affected for the second time this year.

Homes in Chaunterell Way, Nash Drive, Orpwood Way, Medlicott Drive, and Francis Little Drive on the Ladygrove Estate have been flooded or come close to flooding, causing damage and disruption.

To mitigate the impact of flooding, local residents implemented makeshift roadblocks to prevent vehicles from splashing water into homes.

Sandbags, while useful in some cases, were insufficient to safeguard many homes as water came up through floors.

The financial burden and devastation on residents is substantial. Not to mention the worry.

Beyond the Ladygrove Estate, flooding also affected a small area of Tower Close, located on the other side of Drayton Road. (A drain expert had been called but could do nothing.)

Drayton Road was not very far from reaching tipping point and flooding properties.

The repeated flooding incidents in Abingdon highlight the need to look again at an effective flood management strategy to protect residents and their properties from the River Ock. A previous flood storage scheme was rejected as not being cost effective.