The former Samuels shop in the Bury Street precinct has been transformed into a community free space. It is organised by the Friends of Abingdon Civic Society and allows community groups in Abingdon to showcase their activities.
The space opened during Heritage Open Weekend and some of the heritage displays still remain, such as the Abingdon Artists’ Historic Buildings, and aerial photographs of Abingdon.
The Abingdon Carbon Cutters, are in the shop this week, pressing apples and pasteurising apple juice using apples brought in by Abingdon residents.
On Saturday, Abingdon PCSO’s were also in there, and have left a display on keeping yourself and your property safe.
Another shop window in Abingdon has been used for a community display since September. Madrina are a charity who help young people who could not otherwise afford it, to go to their school or college prom.
Thanks to the current landlords of the shopping centre, the Civic Society has use of Unit 24 for an initial 3-month period. It is in a great position and we think it could be a fantastic resource for the community, so we want to use that time to gauge the level of interest in using it – and how the work of managing it can be done. We have written to community groups who previously used the Community FreeSpace to invite them to a drop-in/open doors session next week. If any other community groups – would like to know more about it, please contact our Secretary, Keith Butler by email to secretary@abingdoncivicsociety.org.uk