Monthly Archives: October 2019

5,000 motorcyclists took part in a “ride of respect”

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ride of respect
5,000 motorcyclists took part in a “ride of respect” in honour PC Andrew Harper. His widow led the ride with her brother on PC Harper’s bike, and can be seen biking over Abingdon Bridge, nearest the camera.
ride of respect
Crowds had gathered on the route through Abingdon from about midday. The first bikes rode through at about 12:30.
ride of respect
Motor Cyclists came from many places. One flew the Flag of Gibraltar.
ride of respect
There were not just motor cycles. At one place in the convoy there were a variety of three wheeled vehicles including a boat.
ride of respect
The Mayor of Abingdon was there with his chain and motorcycle gear to applaud the convoy.
ride of respect
Police Motorcyclists were taking part, helping to marshall the event, and be part of the ride.
ride of respect
People applauded the riders who came through in batches of about 500. The last group through were at about 4 pm. It was amazing and my selection of pictures does not do it justice.

Here is a short video showing riders coming through Abingdon.

Start of this year’s annual Poppy Appeal in Abingdon

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Poppy Appeal
Today marked the start of this year’s annual Poppy Appeal in Abingdon and at 10 am poppy bikers delivered a giant poppy to the Market Place.
Poppy Appeal
It was raining and a piper was playing at 11 am as people emerged from the rugby semi final match which England won.
Poppy Appeal
There was a group of poppy stalls on the Market Place. Clare who organises the Abingdon poppy collection on behalf of the Royal British Legion (RBL) had personally put 16,000 paper poppies and 600 crosses in boxes this year. Scouts were running a cake stall with cakes decorated with poppies and biscuits with scout fleur-de-lis. There was also a stall with craft poppies.
Poppy Appeal
Sea Cadets had a treasure hunt, and trays of poppies to be sold.
Poppy Appeal
The army cadets were selling poppies from trays round town.
Poppy Appeal
The Sue Ryder shop has a display of poppies in the window.

It is two weeks until Remembrance Sunday on 10 November 2019. Poppies will be on sale until then. The funds raised helps the work of the Royal British Legion in supporting service men and women who are still alive and whose lives have been changed by war.

Events happening soon in Abingdon

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Here are a few events happening, or soon to happen, in Abingdon.
Events happening soon
The Abingdon & District Musical Society will be holding a choral and orchestral concert in the Yolande Paterson Hall in St Helen’s School on Saturday 16th November. Tickets will be £14 on the door (children £1) or £12 in advance. You can reserve them on-line at the advance sale price by going to www.wegottickets.com. They will also be available at the advance price from Mostly Books, or alternatively from Peter (07979-894-095).
Events happening soon
Evita is currently playing at the Amey Theatre at Abingdon School and there is a matinee and evening performance on Saturday 26th October.
Events happening soon
Abingdon Craft Fair will be on from 8th-10th November at the Abbey Buildings.
Events happening soon
There is an Abingdon Artists exhibition from Tuesday 29th October to Saturday 2nd November in Christchurch Barn, Northcourt.

The Oxford Waites have a concert at the Unicorn Theatre on Friday 15th November.

At St Michael’s Church on Saturday 26th October is an Autumn Fair from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm. There is also the Poppy Festival on the Market Place.

On Sunday morning motor cycles will meet at RAF Benson from 9am before riding to Abingdon Airfield at midday. I am not sure what time they are coming through Abingdon. (Clocks go back on Saturday night.)

October Progress on two major Abingdon developments

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October Progress
The Churchill retirement homes development on Ock Street has reached a couple of storeys high in October.
October Progress
It looks even higher at the rear of the site.
October Progress
Meanwhile the Fairacres Phase 2 demolition has not far to go.
October Progress
Pictures around the site shows how it will look with the larger car park enclosed in the centre of shopping centre. All those cars will leave by the existing route. People did raise concerns when the plans were authorised about how slow it will be getting out during rush hour.