Monthly Archives: January 2017

Work begins on new Abbey play area

Abbey Play Area
Work began this week in clearing the ground for the new Abbey play area, and so the old play area, tennis courts and mini golf are being dug up.

The red rocking horse is the one piece of playground equipment that survived when the play area moved from the Abbey Gardens to the current location, and should still find a place alongside all the new equipment.
Abbey Play Area
The new play area is expected to be open early summer (weather permitting).
Abbey Play Area
Later in 2017 new public toilets, changing facilities and an accessible pathway will be installed.

Old Abbey House

Old Abbey House
Three years ago Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council moved from Old Abbey House.
Old Abbey House
The Vale of White Horse District had intended to dispose of the property as surplus to their needs.  It did get used for temporary accommodation after their offices in Crowmarsh Gifford burnt down. The Friends of Abingdon sought to postpone the disposal so that a community oriented use might be found, but I have not heard of any news for quite a while.
Old Abbey House
P.S Thanks to Captain Chaos for the picture of the urns by the Old Abbey House.

Alpha Launch Event

Alpha Launch Event
Ed asked me to mention the annual Alpha Launch event is on Wednesday. This year the launch is at the college to make a bigger and more accessible space. They have a free meal and an exciting speaker – who has been in the news recently. Details are at abingdonalpha.org/launch.htm (it’s FREE but they need to know how many are coming).  Information about the speaker is on the facebook event page. I am a bit late posting this so hope there are still places for anybody interested.

Alpha is a weekly course, about 8 weeks long, that gives an introduction to Christianity and is taken at various venues by various of the churches in Abingdon. Ed, from the Community Church, led a course at Rosie’s Cafe in previous years.

Patisserie Pascal gone for good

Patisserie Pascal
We have been spoilt over the last eight or nine years having the wonderful Patisserie Pascal just up the road. Pascal retired a few months ago and new owners took over, but they have not managed to continue the success. They closed a few days ago, and the shop will re-open as a different sort of retailer. Good luck to the new venture.