Thanks to Sarah for this report.

On Sunday, 27th July, two local community groups — the Abingdon Silent Book Club and Crafting Optional @ the Grim Dark Society — came together for a day of calm, creativity, and community spirit. This took place at Paws & Play @ Willows in Bury Street.

The day began with the Abingdon Silent Book Club. Over a dozen book lovers gathered to share what they were reading before settling into a hour of silent reading, accompanied by delicious milkshakes and bacon baps (or their preferred treats).

In the afternoon, the Crafting Optional group led a Bob Ross painting session for charity. Following a Bob Ross tutorial, each participant created their own interpretation of the scene.

As a lasting tribute to the day, the paintings will be hung in the Paws & Play café for the public to enjoy — turning the space into a mini-gallery of community art.

Together, the event raised over £300 for four local charities:
🐱 Cats Protection
🎗️ Against Breast Cancer
🐾 Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary
🌍 The Nasio Trust

Sarah says, ‘A huge thank you to everyone who attended, donated, and helped make the day such a success!‘