New Barber and Vape shop opens in Abingdon

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A new barber and vape shop has opened in Abingdon town centre. The shop is located at 22 Stert Street, in the former premises of the Nursery Shop.

The barber previously traded off Spring Road in Abingdon before moving to Stert Street. It offers various services, including haircuts, beard trims, and shaves. The vape shop is accessed through the barber’s shop.

The shop’s opening follows the recent granting of planning permission for “alterations and change of use in order to create a mixed development comprising a retail unit and 9 flats.”

River Ock in Abingdon – August 2023

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One thing that has happened this month on the Ock Valley Walk is that some of the wood chip from some fallen and chopped up trees have been laid on the secondary path.

Other trees seem to be in a fixed half-fallen state.

I have not done as well as the Views of the Ock blog in photographing water voles. So far, I have seen no signs at all. But I did see a young moorhen today.

The parent bird was making sharp tweeting noises to keep track of its young among the reeds. The reeds are much thicker than they were a few years ago.

Where the fields were cut last month, Meadow Cranesbill are back in flower.

The blackberries are past their prime, but there are still plenty of other fruits for wildlife to enjoy. These include haws, elderberries, crab apples, and rosehips.

A discarded brolly in a dog pooh bin is a reminder that humans often try to tidy up after themselves.

Disabled music lover honoured with music festival

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The J-Fest festival in honour of a disabled woman, called Jodie, who loved music, has taken place for the third year running. There have been adverts on signs around Abingdon over recent weeks.

The festival took place at Willowbrook Farm near Steventon, Oxfordshire (not far from Abingdon). It featured music from live bands and DJs across two stages, as well as a variety of other entertainment and stalls.

Jody, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 32, had multiple disabilities but her family ensured she could live a full and rich life by taking her to music events and festivals. She became a well-known personality as she went from event to event, and her family and friends now organise J-Fest in celebration of her life.

During the day, artists and members of the public painted murals and had a go at other crafts and music activities, such as being a DJ in the DJ tent. Different therapies were also offered, including a dedicated quiet area for people who needed a break from noise and stimulation.

Some of the entertainment was provided by people with disabilities, including aerial acrobatics. There was a focus on accessibility, including a wheelchair boardwalk connecting events.

NSPCC Stall on Abingdon Market Place

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It was good to see the familiar faces at today’s NSPCC stall on the Market Place in Abingdon. We can be thankful that they are there every year raising money and the profile of NSPCC’s work to protect children.

NSPCC is a leading children’s charity that works to prevent child abuse and neglect. It gives support to children who have been abused and campaigns for better laws and policies to protect children. It provides a helpline for children and adults. On average, two children a minute contact Childline. It provides education and training on child protection.