Visitors learn about Biodiversity – and Support St Ethelwold’s Appeal

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John Killick led a tour of the garden at St Ethelwold’s House on the theme of biodiversity.

He spoke about how, throughout history, humans have spread across the world and hunted many animals to extinction. In more recent times, large areas of the earth’s surface have been covered with hard materials such as aggregate which reduces natural habitats.

The group visited a rock supporting lichens, a cooperative growth of fungus and algae, before learning about grasses, which are wind-pollinated and do not rely on insects. John discussed which flowers best support insects, and the role of trees in providing habitats. The garden’s walnut tree, though not native, still benefits many creatures – and an oak tree would support even more.

Afterwards, thanks to Susie and other volunteers, scones were served

Donations were invited for the St Ethelwold’s building appeal, which is now well over halfway to its £70,000 target (currently at £44,000). Thanks to a generous supporter, any contributions made this month (from the 10th Sept to 10th Oct) will be matched – up to £10,000 – doubling their impact.

New Bakery fills a gap

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The Ock River Bakery, which opened just a week ago, has already proved very popular. This morning the courtyard and cabin had a steady flow of visitors, with queues at times. It looks like they’ve found the perfect gap in the market – and in Ock Street.

The bakery is at the site of a former outdoor flower and plant seller – neatly filling the gap between Abingdon Baptist Church and Coxeters – and offers fresh, locally made breads and pastries. Three courtyard tables give customers a sunny spot to enjoy patisseries with hot drinks. I tried a Double Chocolate Pain au Chocolat with hot chocolate – a very good way to fill a mid-morning gap.

The bakery is run by Maria, formerly Head Chef at The Eyston Arms, who has spent time honing her patisserie skills at a local bakery. The bread is supplied by a nearby baker, to keep things all local. It was selling fast.

Abingdon This Week – Talks, Walks, Market & Downton at The Abbey

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Almost too late to publicise these first two events:

Thursday 18 September 6:00 pm
Abingdon Library Author Talk – local author Eve Smith discusses her latest speculative thriller The Cure, recently named one of The Times’ best thrillers of 2025. Tickets £2 from Abingdon Library.

Thursday 18 September 7:45 pm
Architectural Talk – historian David Clark explores lesser-known historic buildings and features behind Abingdon’s everyday façades. Preceded by a short AGM of the Abingdon Area Archaeological and Historical Society at The Northcourt Centre. A donation from non-members is suggested.


Saturday 20 September 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Craft & Gift Market – browse a wide range of crafts and gifts while enjoying the historic setting of Abingdon Guildhall.

Saturday 20 September 10:30 am – 1:00 pm
Repair Café – bring your broken household, electrical or mechanical items, as well as knives, scissors and garden tools, to be repaired by volunteers at Unit 25, Bury Street.
Free Bike Checks are also available 10:30 am – 1:00 pm under the County Hall arches.


Saturday 20 September 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Biodiversity Walk at St Ethelwold’s House. Botanist John Killick (co-author of Flora of Oxfordshire) leads a walk exploring the rich plant life of St Ethelwold’s garden. Free, but donations to the St Ethelwold’s building appeal are welcome.

Saturday 20 September 7:30 pm
Ocean Film Festival World Tour 2025 at the Amey Theatre, Abingdon School – a curated selection of short films celebrating the ocean, featuring marine life, adventure and environmental themes.

Sunday 21 September 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
At One Planet Abingdon in the museum basement – a drop-in event for young people featuring crafting, painting, board games, baking and other creative activities.


Downton Abbey – The Grand Finale is showing all week at the Abbey Cinema and follows the Crawley family and their staff during the 1930s. See times and book at theabbey.ac.
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(The image above suggests a 1930s atmosphere – brought to life with a little help from ChatGPT’s image tools, complete with a tiny mistake only an AI could make.)

Evergreens Welcome Abingdon Fire Service

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The Abingdon Fire Service dropped in on the Evergreen Club this Monday to give a talk on fire safety at home. The Evergreens is a social group for older members of the community that meet at Trinity Church, Abingdon. Founded in 1980, they’ve been going for 45 years and are now led by Tricia — pictured between the two firefighters who gave the talk.

Their fire engine was parked outside to give a sense of drama to the occassion.

Members found the talk both entertaining and practical. Key reminders included: have a smoke alarm on every floor, test them regularly, replace batteries as soon as they beep, and agree an escape plan with a meeting point. That last tip can save firefighters from rushing into a house looking for someone who’s already safely in the garden.

For more advice, visit Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue’s home safety page
https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/fire-and-community-safety/community-safety/safety-home — or invite them to speak to your club. Just be aware they may have to dash off if an emergency call comes in.