Sinkhole in Bridge Street


A hole – described by one passer-by as ‘the size of a plate’ — led to the partial closure of the top of Bridge Street on Saturday.

Temporary traffic lights were installed on both Stert Street and Bridge Street to manage the resulting single-lane traffic, causing delays. A yellow board was placed over the hole, with barriers blocking access to both the pavement and the affected section of road.

Another passer-by was baffled that such a small hole could cause so much disruption. ‘Sinkhole? That’s a joke!’ said someone else.

Workmen from Oxfordshire County Council were on site today, Tuesday. They have excavated a larger section to investigate the cause of the subsidence and covered the hole again — at least for now.

P.S. on Church Twinning – Gift of a Painting of Abingdon


Last night, the church twinning groups gathered at St Edmund’s for a closing service. Among those present were visitors from Sint-Niklaas (Belgium), Argentan (France), and Schongau (Germany), along with host families, organisers, and local church leaders.

After the service, there was time to chat and enjoy refreshments together and the chance to try out handbells.

The visitors (from all three towns but coordinated by Sint Niklaas) presented a painting they had purchased: a view of St Helen’s Church and wharf by George Vicat Cole. Executed in oil and pencil on board, the work dates to around 1880, a period when Cole devoted himself to a series of Thames views from source to sea. It is a very generous gift.

Celebrating the Life of Tom (Pat) Duffy


Family, friends and former colleagues gathered at the Crown and Thistle to celebrate the life of Tom Duffy, known to many as Pat.

To residents of Abingdon town centre, Tom was a familiar and friendly presence — one of the well-known trio of Abingdon Town Council parking wardens, alongside Malcolm and Les. He took on the role after retirement, during a time when the wardens were well-liked by the community. They didn’t just issue tickets — they listened to residents’ concerns and passed them on to the Town Council, often acting as a bridge between local people and local government.

The trio were always ready to lend a hand beyond their official duties, stewarding the Michaelmas Fair and helping at other town events throughout the year.

Music played an important part in Tom’s life. He was often seen at Music at the Unicorn, and in an earlier photo — bearded — he looked every bit the Irish folk singer. People began calling him ‘Paddy,’ which soon became ‘Pat,’ the name that stuck.

Tom had requested a simple cremation. Jim Halliday, leader of the Town Council, described him as a no-fuss, down-to-earth person. But his family decided on this celebration at the Crown and Thistle, and the function room was packed. His friend and former colleague Malcolm remembered him as ‘a lovely chap,’ while his former boss Steve Rich called him ‘a thoroughly nice man.’

Tom will be fondly remembered by many in the town. His wife said she felt lucky to have met her soul mate so early in life — though no time could ever be long enough.

Abingdon Celebrates 25 Years of Church Twinning


The Abingdon Church Twinning group are marking 25 years of church twinning this weekend. Visitors have come from Sint-Niklaas in Belgium, Argentan in France, and Schongau in Germany.

On Friday, visitors had a chance to explore Oxford or Blenheim Palace, followed by a supper featuring Shepherd’s Pie — in six or seven varieties. One vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie was brought in a cycle-basket by Richard. Shepherd’s Pie was followed by strawberries and cream, which may explain one Abingdon supermarket being low on strawberries today.

On Saturday, the group toured Abingdon. Although they didn’t get to see the Abingdon Air and Country Show, they could hear the aircraft buzzing about and imagine the scene from our  descriptions.

On Sunday, the weekend will draw to a close with a goodbye service and a reception at St Edmund’s Church, after a day with their host families.