For people wanting to build confidence in public speaking and leadership, the Abingdon Speakers Club provides a friendly place to practice prepared speeches, impromptu speaking exercises, and receive constructive feedback.

Howie, a newcomer to the Abingdon Silver Group, has found silversmithing surprisingly familiar after years of working with classic cars. He’s now creating rings and  jewellery and recommends the group.

Founded in 1975, Abingdon Music Centre Trust makes music accessible to all ages. It offers baby and pre-school music classes, sessions for Reception and Year 1, and a Guitar Club from Year 3 onwards. Adults can join guitar lessons, recorder groups, a community orchestra, or sing in the Abingdon Community Choir. The Trust also brings music to care homes, offering sessions for residents.

One Planet Abingdon and Abingdon Carbon Cutters are conducting a survey on sustainable food habits to find out how we can reduce food’s environmental impact. Food production and consumption play a major role in climate change and biodiversity loss, and individual choices can make things better. An anonymous survey takes just five minutes and closes on 15 March. Take the Survey here.

This biannual clubs and societies day featured over 30 groups, with these 16 just a snapshot of what was there. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to Unit 24 before they packed up and missed finding out about the Abingdon Silent Book Club. I also missed Abingdon Astronomical Society and the chance to ask about the recent planetary alignment — which everyone seems to be talking about. And as for the Abingdon Camera Club, I decided not to use that picture — it wasn’t quite to their standards!