Pride Month

2 Replies


Pride Month (June) celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and recognizes their culture, and long history of fighting for equality. At our recent Ock Poets meeting at Abingdon Library, we read some poems by Mary Jean Chan. Chan was born in Hong Kong and teaches at Brookes University in Oxford, and co-edited the Penguin Book 100 Queer Poems.

In Oxford at the weekend there was a Pride festival, and in previous years there has been an event in Abingdon. Perhaps there will be one. In any case, colourful flags flutter in solidarity on the County Hall roof in Abingdon,

and above Abingdon School.

Charity shop windows also have colourful displays during Pride Month.

At Sue Ryder, some staff wear a rainbow badge. The badge means ‘I’m someone you can talk to about LGBTQ+ identities.’

Abingdon Cycling Festival Returns

3 Replies


The Abingdon Cycling Festival took place today, Sunday, the 4th of June, with over 20 rides starting from a sunny Market Place.

From 9:00 to 11:30 in the morning, participants signed up and embarked on an array of rides.

Organized by the Abingdon Freewheeling cycling club, the festival returned this year after a three-year gap. The club’s mission is to encourage the local community to participate in cycling, regardless of ability.

Most rides ended at the Loose Cannon Brewery, where riders were treated to refreshments and musical entertainment.

The festival rides ranged from sporty runs

to off-road challenges;

and from social group rides and family-friendly jaunts to the latest developments in cycling with an E-bike ride.

It looked a great day.

Opening of Oxford Grazing Deli in Bath Street

Leave a reply


Oxford Grazing Co has expanded its business with the opening of the Oxford Grazing Deli today in Bath Street. The deli aims to offer an assortment of cheese, charcuterie, antipasti, olives, freshly baked bread, chutneys, gourmet nuts, wine, beer, and cider. On the opening day they had a free cupcakes for the first 50 customers and sample graze cups.

‘Graze’ refers to the act of leisurely eating small portions of various food items, assembled together in an appealing arrangement.

Progress on North Abingdon Developments

5 Replies


Despite a dip in house prices of approximately 4% compared to last year,

progress is being made in the Abbey Fields and Kings Gate developments.

A pedestrian and cycle path has opened, connecting the Abbey Fields development to Tilsley Park, with plans to extend it through to the Kings Gate Development.

Infrastructure such as the A34 diamond interchange, schools, community centre, and playgrounds are not yet built.

But in response to the anticipated influx of residents from the 1100 new houses, the Long Furlong Medical Centre has submitted a planning application for three additional consulting rooms. Unfortunately, this comes at the cost of six car parking spaces, which may result in increased parking on local roads, upsetting local residents.

Without playgrounds for the new houses, younger residents have been making some colourful chalk designs in Hobby Green. Pat Hobby, a former Mayor as well as a primary school teacher, would be thrilled with their creative artwork.