The Abingdon Abbey Buildings have re-opened for the summer months – from 1st May to 30th September. The opening hours are Wednesday to Sunday 2PM – 4:30PM. Entry £1.
On the left is the Checker and the Long Gallery (just out of view). On the right is the Unicorn Theatre.
Abingdon Abbey would have been a much large complex of buildings, and this is all that remains. The buildings have been taken over and cared for by The Friends of Abingdon – Abingdon’s Civic Society – since 1944.
Civic Societies generally exist to celebrate the heritage, and safeguard the best buildings of a town. In recent years The Friends have become more active, as they were in their founding years – 70 years ago. I have particularly noticed them responding and petitioning on planning applications in Abingdon, and organising walks and other events celebrating Abingdon’s Heritage. Their biggest treasure and worry has always been the Abbey Buildings, where they continue to renew the fabric. Last year they did some work on the roof. They have also added two interesting information timelines, one about the Abbey, and one about the town.
The next lot of walks are on the Bank Holiday – Monday 26th May 2014. Book from 10am on the Market Place.
Heard you on Radio Oxford this morning. Love the blog and keep up the good work – your blog is the best way to find out what’s happenning in Abingdon!
Thanks Abingdon Resident. Yes. I will have to listen back when I finish work to see what it was all about.
Just a quick correction to the Abbey Buildings opening times: they are not routiinely open on Saturday afternoons because they are often in use then for wedding receptions and private parties. If you are planning to visit on a Saturday – or any other time outside normal opening times – contact the Curator on 01235 525339 and she will let you know if it is practicable.
In case you can’t read the poster for the walks, there is something for everyone on offer:
At 10:30
The Waterways Walk to Sutton Courtenay via the Ock Valley to Drayton and the Thames path. Led by the Ramblers.
The 1556 Abingdon Boundary Walk, postponed from January 1st.
A nature walk with Green Gym along the Ock valley.
A new tour Around St Helen’s with the group who have produced the new boards.
At 2pm
A walk to Radley Lakes and back led by the Friends of Radley Lakes with tea and cakes available at the Lakes. The the Lost Abbey Tour of St Nicolas Church and the Abbey Buildings with teas available at the Buildings. You can also use our Explore Abingdon Quiz Sheets to find things in the town you might never have noticed before.
All walks start and finish in the Market Place and bookings for all will be at our gazebo there from 10am.
Remember to wear sensible shoes and ENJOY.
For those who missed Backstreet’s radio interview it can be listened to as part of the section discussing Abingdon First on the following recording between 3 hours 5minutes in and 3hours 22 minutes in. The section also has interviews with Sandy Lovatt and Emily Taylor, an expert in internet governance and whistle-blowing:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01y5mfn