Monthly Archives: March 2013

The Abingdon Passion Play 2013

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Abingdon Passion Play 2013
It was very cold for Palm Sunday and so it was decided that the start and end of the first ever Abingdon Passion Play would be performed outside, as planned, but some of the two hour performance would have to be in the Guildhall.
Abingdon Passion Play 2013
As was fitting for Palm Sunday the performance began with Jesus on an Andalucian riding donkey, thanks to the Island Donkey Centre.
Abingdon Passion Play 2013
Then, after a couple more scenes, people moved from the Abbey Grounds to the Guildhall where, despite the use of the Abbey Hall and an overflow area in the Roysse Room, not everybody could fit. Somebody said there were about a thousand people when it started. So some had to wait outside or go home. A great turn out for such a cold day.
Abingdon Passion Play 2013
My son did get in and let me have this picture of the Last Supper.
Abingdon Passion Play 2013
When Jesus left the Guildhall he was stumbling under the weight of a cross.
Abingdon Passion Play 2013
People felt very sorry for the two half frozen criminals crucified either side of Jesus who had to spend twice as long on their crosses.
Abingdon Passion Play 2013
The performance was very well staged, thanks partly to the Abingdon Drama Club. There were so many community groups and schools taking part it was much bigger than a Church in Abingdon event. It was one of the big Abingdon events of 2013.

Here is a video I made of stills and movies for anybody who missed it …

All quiet at the Anchor, not so at the Tap

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Anchor
All quiet in the Anchor since it closed two weeks ago.
Anchor
There are still posters to say a band are playing tonight, but the bands and quiz nights have all stopped, and all is dark inside. Greene King are advertising for a new operator. “… welcoming applications from experienced operators who have a history of delivering a high standard of food offer.”
Tap
Meanwhile at the Brewery Tap the Pie and a Pint Springtime Festival was in full swing today, with twenty beers and twenty ciders in the marquee round the back,
Tap
and live bands at the front (think this one is Flex-a-muscle).

The Brewery Tap having recently won the CAMRA Town and Country Pub of the Year for South Oxfordshire.

Update on the Abingdon Sea Cadets

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Didcot A
Many thanks to Sue for an update on the activities of the Abingdon Sea Cadets.

The cadets had two important guests this week: The Worshipful Master of St Edmunds Lodge, Mr Don Bishop, and Mr Bill Russell of The Lions of Abingdon. The Mason’s gave £800 to fund two new engines, and the Lion’s gave £1,000 to buy a new boat trailer. After the presentation the Cadets spent the rest of the evening wearing Onesies to raise money for Comic Relief.

The picture shows The Cadets celebrating their recent victory at the district drill competition held at RAF Halton. They now go on to the regional competition.

To find out more about the cadets, or if you are interested in joining as a cadet or helper try Abingdon Sea Cadets.

Didcot A Power Station Final Day

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Didcot A
Today (Friday) is likely to be the final day of power generation from the Didcot A coal fired Power Station. The picture of the cooling towers was taken at the weekend from the fields above the Tithe Farm estate in Abingdon. When we first moved to Abingdon we were warned that soot from Didcot would dirty our washing but can’t remember it ever being a problem.
Didcot A
Such cooling towers became common in the UK from the 1950s, and are rapidly disappearing from the landscape as one set after another are demolished.
Didcot A
There are also a couple of close up pictures on the Not Abingdon Blog.