Stop and Go on West St Helen Street

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It all started so well this morning with traffic flowing smoothly along West St Helen Street. But by lunchtime, a queue of traffic had slowed to a crawl.

The usual school run chaos is over for a few weeks. Although term officially ends tomorrow (22nd July), many local schools are having inset days on the 21st and 22nd. With staff training underway and students at home, the school year is effectively over.

Even so, by midday, Radio Oxford was reporting traffic problems — not across Oxfordshire, just here in Abingdon. Temporary traffic lights on Ock Street were causing long tailbacks, holding up drivers trying to get out of the town centre via the High Street, and all its tributaries. Radio Oxford said it added twenty minutes to the journey from Culham, and fifteen minutes from West St Helen Street.

One man sitting in his car told me, ‘I’ve lived here since 1978, and the traffic just keeps getting worse.’

By the afternoon, things had quietened down as the temporary lights were switched off. But the lights might be back over the next couple of days.

Farewell to Deacon Selina

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It’s part of church life that ministers and deacons come to serve for a time, and then are called to move on. After ten years in Abingdon, supporting both All Saints and Trinity churches, Deacon Selina has touched the lives of many within the churches and far beyond. (Revd Georgina, seen here with her, has recently arrived.)

Selina became more widely known in the town when she served as chaplain to Mayor Gwyneth Lewis and championed the Mayor’s chosen cause, Reducing the Risk, a charity supporting those affected by domestic abuse. She led the Civic service and helped at the town’s Remembrance Service and the Fair Service, and supported many individuals in ways that only they will know.

Yesterday, a farewell service was held for her at Trinity. It was a joyful occasion that reflected the breadth of her ministry

Attendance: 114 adults and 10 children
Collection: £385.55 raised for Reducing the Risk

The service featured a diverse selection of music chosen by Selina, from a Māori love song (Pokarekare Ana), to a Zambian blessing, an 18th-century hymn, a farewell song composed by the Toddler Group, and a lively children’s song with actions (Our God is a Great Big God).

Revd Keith Underhill described Selina as being like an iceberg: the congregation saw just a small part of her ministry — leading services, baptisms, and funerals and church groups but much more happened beneath the surface. She supported schools, advocated for people in court, and was a compassionate presence for individuals going through difficult times. One person said how her mum lit up when she talked with them about what mattered to them.

There were refreshments, and a large cake to be cut in the Conduit Centre afterwards, and presentations from All Saints, Trinity, and the Wantage and Abingdon Methodist Circuit. Now it is time for Selina to take the next step in her journey. She leaves with our thanks and prayers.

Fun and Music (and a Little Rain) in the Park

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It began with rain — a rare sight and, while welcome for the thirsty grass, not ideal for the morning of Fun in the Park. Thankfully, by lunchtime the skies cleared and warmer weather arrived just in time for a picnic held by members of Host Abingdon. They are seen behind Deputy Mayor, Councillor Andrew Skinner.

Throughout the day, between showers and sunny spells, entertainment continued on the stage. The Project Band performed during the lunchtime lull in the rain.

Food stalls, drink vendors, and a variety of community groups were out in force — including the Abingdon Town Amateur Boxing Club, who had a stall to promote their work.

Fun in the Park concluded mid-afternoon, making way for Music in the Park, a ticketed event (free for under 18s, £12.50 for adults). A light drizzle returned just as Country Bound took to the stage.

Councillor Neil Fawcett introduced the acts. He described The Undercovers — who played two lively and well-known sets — as ‘one of the best things to come out of Abingdon.’

The crowd agreed, dancing and singing along. Lead singer George gave a shout-out to Your Life Your Choice, where she volunteers, and several members of that group were among the audience.

Bringing the evening to a close were New Jovi, a Bon Jovi tribute band who gave it everything — from Livin’ on a Prayer to You Give Love a Bad Name.