Oxfam on Stert Street

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Oxfam in Stert Street Abingdon have not only reopened, they also have a new facebook page. On it they say after discovering some hidden gems at Abingdon Oxfam, why not treat yourself to a milkshake, grab that much needed haircut, stock up on art supplies + gourmet food + find your dream door, also in Stert Street.

Oxfam are looking for donations, and to gain some new volunteers. Not everybody could return on reopening.

Volunteers help to sort and sell the donations in order to raise as much money as possible for Oxfam’s vital work around the world. They also sometimes need specialised knowledge such as valuing stamp donations.

Cricket returns

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There were two games of cricket on the pitches at Hales Meadow. The Cherwell League website says there are 14 days until the start of the season. So these games were probably friendlies or practice matches.

After last years short season, the games are being played under the influence of  Covid-19 with risk assessments and using ECB guidance, currently  at Step 2 of the Government Roadmap out of Lockdown from 12 April 2021 with progression to Step 3 (no earlier than 17 May 2021).

People should arrive in kits as changing rooms are closed; groups of six apply to  people off the field; nobody with symptoms should attend; NHS Test and Trace is carried out etc. I am not sure spectators are allowed but I was just passing.

County Council and Police Commissioner Elections

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On Thursday 6th May 2021, local elections are scheduled. Here in East Abingdon we have had 3 brochures through our door. The pandemic seems to have reduced the usual flood of leaflets.

These elections involve all 63 seats on Oxfordshire County Council, currently controlled by the Conservative Party. 3 of those seats are in Abingdon:

Abingdon East
Cheryl Briggs – Green
Jill Kirkwood – Freedom Alliance. No Lockdowns. No Curfews.
David Pope – Conservative
Alison Rooke – Liberal Democrat
Edward Shelton – Labour

Abingdon North
Michel Grandjean – Green Party
Nathan Ley – Liberal Democrat
Charlotte Njeru – Conservative
Norma Queralt – Labour
Geoff Sandford – Freedom Alliance. No Lockdowns. No Curfews

Abingdon South
Arjun Bais – Labour
Neil Fawcett – Liberal Democrat
Christopher Palmer – Conservative
Eladia Posthill – Reform UK

The County Council spends 80% of local government expenditure, and dwarf district and town council expenditure by a long way. Their main areas of expenditure are:
* Adult and children’s social care (biggest expenditure by a long way)
* Education and learning
* Highways and transport
* Public health improvement and prevention services
* Waste disposal and recycling (the district council collects waste)
* Fire and rescue and community safety
* Libraries, cultural, registration and coroner’s services

There is an election for the Police and Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley Police:
Matthew Barber – Conservative
Laetisia Carter – Labour and Co-operative
John Howson – Liberal Democrats
Alan Robinson – Independent

There is an election for Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council – Fitzharris Ock Ward:
Caroline Bullock – Labour
Rawda Jehanli – Liberal Democrat
Cavan Pirouet – Conservative


Abingdon Carbon Cutters have arranged an online hustings where you can book a place here.

The Abingdon Facebook group, run and moderated by James Davis, has also arrange a hustings where candidates are sent questions via the group. Their answers are then posted back through the Facebook group.

St George’s Day and Shakespeare’s Birthday in Abingdon

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St George’s Day (April 23rd) is being observed by Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council with the flying of the St George’s flag.

The Sue Ryder shop are also observing the day with a display of red and white clothes, wool, handbags, and St George’s Flags.

The exact date of William Shakespeare’s birthday is not recorded, but it is most often observed on 23rd April. He did die on 23rd April 1616.

In Abingdon Virginia, the Barter Theatre has found a way round the restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic. They have performances at an abandoned drive-in movie theater – the Moonlite Theater on the edge of Abingdon. Currently playing at the Barter Moonlite is The Tempest by William Shakespeare.