Monthly Archives: June 2015

Keeping up with West St Helen Street

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West St Helen Street
The Abingdon Portal’s Business Directory still has Frend & Co the Jeweller at 3 West St Helen Street. They have since moved to near the Charter.

The shop is now being painted black. The sign should soon follow.
West St Helen Street
A few doors down. the town portal has Number 25 as The Honey Pot. There will be an Oriental Food Mart moving in there soon. Also black.
West St Helen Street
Meanwhile, over the road, the Sally Anne Cafe & Charity Shop no longer take donations. Volunteers will be calling it a day very soon.

At what was Lansbrough Lettings (now moved to 100 Ock Street), the plaster board has been stripped out to reveal stone walls beneath. Something could also be happening there.

Let’s Go to the Mayor of Ock Street

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Mayor of Ock Street
On Saturday, in Abingdon, we will witness ‘The Ancient Ceremony of Electing the Mayor of Ock Street‘.
Mayor of Ock Street
This involves a day of dancing by Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers, and visiting teams, around Abingdon.

The ballot box is placed outside the Brewery Tap between 10am and 4pm. Residents and businesses on Ock Street (and developments adjoining Ock Street) are eligible to vote. Voting cards are delivered on the evening beforehand (Friday 19th June).

2015 Candidates
Mr Harry Knight – The reigning Mayor of Ock Street
Mr Roger Cox – Former Mayor of Ock Street between 2007-2013
Mr Duncan Brown – Former Mayor of Abingdon in 2010.
Mayor of Ock Street
The Elected Mayor will then be processed around Abingdon. The final dance will take place is in front of the Abingdon County Hall sometime between 7-8 pm.

Abingdon Health Walks – First Steps Back

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Thanks to Viv for this …
Arthur Preston Blue Plaque
Abingdon health walks have increased their choice of walks for the Summer. They are offering new FIRST STEPS WALKS. These last for 5-30 minutes and are provided for those people who want to gradually increase their fitness after health problems, an illness or an operation. Walking will be at your pace.

One of these regular walks is from Preston Road Community Centre.(Midget Close, Abingdon, OX14 5NR) on Thursday mornings at 10.30 am
Arthur Preston Blue Plaque
There are also Wellbeing Centre Walks (The Health and Wellbeing Centre, Audlett Drive, Abingdon OX14 3GD). These take place on the first Monday and the third Wednesday of the month at 10.30 am. You need to go to reception to sign in.

For further information try www.walkingforhealth.org.uk and find the Abingdon page. Alternatively contact vivboorman531(at)btinternet.com or phone 01235 531769.

Arthur Preston Blue Plaque

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Thanks to Christine for letting me know about this event, and Elizabeth for the 2nd picture.
Arthur Preston Blue Plaque
The latest Oxfordshire Blue Plaque has been unveiled at a large house near the Albert Monument, on Park Crescent in Abingdon. It commemorates Arthur Edwin Preston (1852–1942) Mayor, antiquarian, and historian of Abingdon.
Arthur Preston Blue Plaque
His house is now owned and used by Abingdon School, and the plaque was unveiled on Friday by Jackie Smith, Honorary Archivist of Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council, in the presence of The Mayor of Abingdon, the Master of Christ’s Hospital, the Head of Abingdon School, the Chairman of the Vale, among others.

“Arthur Preston made an extraordinary contribution both as a borough and county councillor and as an antiquarian who preserved the record of Abingdon’s history and restored its ancient buildings … (read on here)”