These people help run The Good Neighbour Scheme. It used to cover North East Abingdon but they have expanded to all Abingdon, and they are looking for Co-ordinators and Volunteers. They give practical help to elderly, vulnerable, and isolated people in their homes. Call them on 07956 019611 if you can help.
The museum lift has been out of order for a couple of weeks now.
Jeff Samways, MS sufferer, and Tracey would have liked to go UP in the lift, but as English Heritage did not allow that particular lift to be built, it would have been nice to go down and see the pump and Basement Buns. Even that is not possible until the lift is fixed.
They did ask me to mention a new group called The Vine – which is why they are holding a leaflet. The group, sponsored by Abingdon Vineyard Church, is at Preston Road Community Centre and I think it is to help disabled people meet others for tea and coffee and friendship, and learn new skills. Next one is 20th Sept (3rd Thursday of Month) from 10:30am – 12:30am.
This picture was taken looking up New Street towards the Vineyard.
I was looking at the Abingdon Area Archaeological and Historical Society website yesterday, reading the transcript of a document called The ABINGDON I REMEMBER which describes Abingdon on an almost house by house basis around about 1920 and will be very interesting to lots of Abingdonians. It speaks of a short street on the left of the Vineyard called New Street, “locally known as ‘Little Hell’. This is owing to the belligerent character of the inhabitants of the 15 or so cottages which are, incredibly, packed into this tiny street.”
At the junction of The Vineyard and New Street I read of a local character called ‘Paddy’ who was “in the habit, when he had the wherewithal, of taking too much ale and roaring challenges in the direction of New Street, opposite. The challenge was rarely refused, and some lively Saturday nights were a feature of local life.”
Can anybody put a name to the author of this description of 1920’s Abingdon?
From the Abbey Gardens the new Care Homes being built at Thames View are screened by the tall trees, but from the Waitrose Carpark the new buildings are clearly visible. They will be traditionally styled two and three storey apartments.
It was hoped a few years ago when the Thames View site was first redeveloped that its would continue to keep some employment near the town centre, alongside residential developments. But the site no longer seemed attractive to businesses.
A Care Home, with possibly 90 employees, was seen by district council planners as a better compromise than just housing.