Mill Road Bridge Reopens After Decade-Long Closure

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Thanks to Stuart from the Vale of White Horse Ramblers for this picture and report.

On Friday, November 10th 2023, a gathering marked the official reopening of the Mill Road Bridge in Marcham. Over 30 individuals, including local residents, councillors, and those directly involved in the bridge’s reconstruction, were present to witness the culmination of a long-awaited restoration project. Representatives of the Vale of White Horse Ramblers Group were also in attendance, eager to resume using the bridge as an integral component of their walking program.

The bridge’s reopening signifies the restoration of Bridleway 17 between Marcham and Drayton, and improves the network of walks available for people in Abingdon. The bridge has been closed for over a decade due to structural issues, The Crown in Marcham has also recently reopened so there is even more reason to use the route.

Abingdon Remembers

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The annual Remembrance Day service and parade took place in light rain, drawing a large crowd of residents to the war memorial.

At 10:00 am, the service commenced at St. Helen’s Church, led by Rev. Dr. Charles Miller and assisted by Deacon Selina Nisbett, the Mayor’s Chaplain. Rev. Millar said the two-minute silence unites the nation like nothing else. He spoke of remembering and grief, and the Christian hope in the resurrection.

Following the service, a procession formed outside the church, led by drummer John Shaw and standard bearers. Various uniformed groups, including representatives of the armed forces, cadet forces, and local organisations, marched alongside Mayor Gwyneth Lewis and Councillors. Despite the absence of soldiers from Dalton Barracks, who were engaged in operations, there was a large procession at the war memorial.

The Abbey Brass Band were there to play music and sound the last post.

The remembrance service at the war memorial was a simple yet moving affair, featuring prayers, the exhortation, “They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old…”, and a two-minute silence.

After the silence, the rain intensified as representatives from various organizations and individuals placed wreaths on the war memorial.

The uniformed groups marched in a parade past the Mayor and Councillors at the County Hall. The parade was followed by most of the crowd, who dispersed around the town.

Others remained to reflect at the war memorial, admiring the wreaths and their messages of remembrance.

Among the wreaths, two particularly stood out – handcrafted by the Abingdon Kindergarten and the Duchess Nursey School, Abingdon. The poppies, were made from colourful hands.

Armistice Day ceremonies and St Michael’s Christmas Fair

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Today’s Armistice Day ceremony at the war memorial reminded us of the sacrifices made by those who have served our country. The two-minute silence was preceded by a ring of the Town Crier’s bell and the Pipe Major’s call to Attention.

The St Michael’s Church Christmas Fair was in full flow.

As the clock struck 11:00 am, the chatter and laughter ceased, replaced by quiet. For two minutes, the community paused to remember those who had paid the ultimate price. Not just at the war memorial and St Michael’s but also a notice at Waitrose said the two minutes would be observed.

Afterwards, the fair gradually resumed its lively tempo. The Abingdon Handbell Ringers added a touch of festive spirit to the event.

Armistice Day

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The pupils at Kingfisher School have created a fabulous display for the Royal British Legion Club in Spring Road, Abingdon. (Thanks to Clare for the pictures.)

Most people will remember that Sunday is Remembrance Sunday. Saturday is Armistice Day, and there will be a smaller gathering at the war memorial at 11 pm for a two-minute silence.

World War I officially ended on November 11, 1918, at 11:00 AM, after the signing of the armistice a few hours earlier. From 1919 to 1939, Armistice Day was the main day of remembrance in the UK for those who died in the war. After World War II, the main observance in the United Kingdom moved to Remembrance Sunday, which is held on the second Sunday in November.

In the 1990s(1), Armistice Day was revived after a campaign by the Royal British Legion, and since then a two-minute silence has been observed at 11:00 AM on November 11.

ref 1: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/515640.stm