Nicola Blackwood MP, Member of Parliament for Oxford West and Abingdon, has arranged a public meeting on Saturday 24 November at 10am in Abingdon Guildhall, regarding the proposed development of 160 new houses off the Drayton Road in Abingdon.

Lots of people have been writing to Nicola on the subject, and this is a chance for people to air their views and hear what councillors and council officials have to say on the subject.
Abingdon Scouts and Guides Christmas Card Delivery Service

For those who cannot afford to send ALL their Christmas Cards via Royal Mail – after this year’s large price hike – there is an alternative for local deliveries within the Abingdon, Marcham, and Shippon area. Just find an Abingdon Scouts and Guides Official Collection Box and put in 20p for each card you want delivered. All money goes to help the local Scouts and Guides.

There is one such collection box in the Guildhall (Bear Room) where there are Charity Christmas Cards on sale.

“Keep Calm It’s Only Christmas”.

Last posting day for Scouts and Guides delivery is 17 Dec 2012. Collection boxes can be found at
The Shoe Shop of Abingdon, Bath Street
The Clarks Shop, Bury Street
National Westminster Bank, Market Place
Charity Cards, Guildhall
Waitrose, Abbey Close
Sovereign Vale Housing office, Vineyard
Goff’s Newsagents, Bridge Street
Martins Newsagents, Peachcroft
Reynolds Way supermarket, Gainsborough Green
The Fone Box, 62 Wootton Road (Shops)
All Saints Church, Appleford Drive
Baptist Church, 35 Ock Street
St Edmunds Church, Radley Road
Christ Church, Northcourt Road
St Helens Church Centre
St Michael’s Church, Park Road
Trinity Church, Conduit Road
Radley Village Store
Bright Frosty Start to Sunday

There was a frosty start to the day as we walked out through the Abbey Gardens past Trendell’s Folly.

The clear air and low sun made for a dazzling view across the River Thames.

The water sprinklers are fenced off, and the blue matting removed, for an out of season overhaul.
At 9 am there were a number of dog walkers, some joggers, a family feeding the ducks, and another young family in the play area – enjoying it all to themselves. There are probably crowds there this afternoon.
Abbey Shopping Centre – a better view

Over the last week the scaffolding has come down on one side of the Abbey Shopping Centre in Abingdon to give us all a better view of some of the changes.

Flat roofs have been have been replaced by a more varied street scene.
Work began earlier this year on a complete revamp of the shopping centre.