The transformation of Suffolk Way in Abingdon


The open day and market at Loose Cannon brewery was a chance to look around the brewery and to see some well-known Abingdon market stalls inside a brewery.

Busby’s Bees took a swarm of bees, honey, and beeswax into the brewery.

Martin, of Devine Times Photography, had a selection of photographic prints and calendars.

Abingdon Gin and another dozen stalls were also there.

Suffolk Way, off the Drayton Road, once comprised eight anonymous industrial/warehouse units made of brick and metal cladding. Now the units have opened up to the world and lots of local people visit.

There is also the Kathleen Turner charity shop

and the Oxford Wood Recycling with ideas for wood and recycled wood for sale.

The carpenters of Oxford Wood Recycling have recently transformed Broad Street in Oxford into an area of raised beds with wildflowers, and grass with lots of wood seating – a good place to relax during a trip to Oxford.

Practising photography skills at Dalton Barracks


Zac and Ted were practising their photography skills earlier in the week from near Dalton Barracks military base, near Abingdon

Below Martin’s calendar of photographs of Abingdon for 2022, Masters of the Air, a book about world war two, can be seen in the window of the Bookstore in Abingdon. It is being made into a TV series at Dalton Barracks.

Lots of people can practise their photography skills at Dalton Barracks on 11th September when the The Abingdon Air and Country Show takes place. I would be glad to feature pictures that people send me at backstreet60@gmail.com as I am working that day and will probably not get there.

Little Tea Room closing


The Little Tea Room in East St Helen Street closes on 28th August.

This is so that Claire, Louise, and the team can spend more time with family members. Covid has also made the future very uncertain and tough for small independents. During the lockdown, they adapted by selling takeaway boxes.

Many customers visited the Little Tea Room for the last time and booked in advance, and so places have been limited in the last week.

An example of what was on offer is shown above. This is just one of 6 menus. There are a huge variety of sandwiches and teas.

New boardwalk on the Thames Path


Contractors have created a new boardwalk on the Thames Path in Abingdon in the last week. The path becomes very wet at this point, near Barton Fields, during the winter months. The recycled plastic boards will not rot in damp conditions.

There have been signs warning of the pending work since last October but it must be easier to do the work during these dry summer months. The contractors have also filled in a few other sections with gravel.

(Thanks to Martin for letting me know).