Cycle and pedestrian and bus ways at Kings Gate estate

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NewHouses
People on the new Kings Gate estate have a wide dual-use (cycle and pedestrian) path that leads to the new store.
NewHouses
That also gives a good route for pedestrians and cyclists from some of the older houses if they cross from around Farm Road to the new Vernon Place. So far the new roads have a Mayor of Abingdon theme, which only holds if Vernon Place is named after Dr Vernon Butt (Mayor 1996-97).
NewHouses
The other new road, Walker Grove, could be after Pamela Walker (Mayor 1979-1980).
NewHouses
The estate also has a half-hourly bus service to Oxford or Abingdon town centre (and Wantage) with the X1.

Wishing you a Happy New Year

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Happy New Year
Soon after midnight, in the new year 2023, I walked around Abingdon town centre, where St Nicolas bells started ringing. The secret crochet had made a 2023 postbox topper. Walking back, I saw the residents of East St Helen Street going back into their houses after wishing each other a Happy New Year.

Looking forward to the new year, there will be the coronation of King Charles III and a bun throw in May. Town and vale council elections are also in May.

Davina retires after 20 years at Sue Ryder

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Davina retires
Davina retired today after 20 years at Sue Ryder, where she was the manager of the Abingdon shop.

Last night volunteers, who have worked with Davina, returned for a party. There was a display of all the fundraising events they had done over the years, including the vintage tea party, when volunteers dressed up as land army.
Davina retires
Davina started as a volunteer in Bicester and then worked between Bicester and Aylesbury and then was offered the manager’s job in Abingdon. Over the 20 years, she kept to the philosophy of selling quality things. The windows are always exciting, and Davina said it is all about bringing people in and making it a welcoming environment.
Davina retires
Claire, who volunteers at the shop, said, ‘Davina has raised over 2 million pounds for the Sue Ryder charity and will be greatly missed by her colleagues and customers. She has been a great advocate of Abingdon.’

Davina’s final day was New Year’s Eve. The next chapter in her life involves helping with grandchildren, and she likes writing poetry and will have time to explore such interests.