Boots Hearingcare Coming Soon to Bury Street, Abingdon

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A new Boots Hearingcare branch is being worked on in Bury Street, Abingdon. Signs in the window announce ‘A World of Hearing – Coming Soon.’

This will be the third Boots branded shop on Bury Street, with a pharmacy and optician already further along the precinct.

The arrival of the hearing centre adds to a growing number of health and wellbeing shop fronts in the town centre. I heard recently, on the radio, that there is a trend nationally for more Health and wellbeing shops and more cafes in place of traditional shops.

Flexicare Charity Celebrates 40th Birthday

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Flexicare held a party to celebrate their 40th birthday. Over 100 people went along — families, supporters, and team members, both present and past , including some from when the charity began in 1985.

There was party food, crafts, balloon animals, model trains, a sensory tent, and a visit from some Shetland Therapy Ponies.

Cutting the birthday cake, were two of the founders, Sara Hall and Sue Kenrick, joined by Paul, one of the first Flexicare children.

Flexicare (Oxford & Abingdon) is a charity that offers free, flexible support to families with disabled children. They provide trained sitters so that parents and carers can take a break, knowing their child is in safe hands.

Weir Walkway Still Closed – But Gate Open Briefly

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For four days, including the weekend, the gate barring access to the weir walkway was open — likely forced. Two padlocks were added to secure it on Monday morning.

The walkway remains officially closed due to concerns about corrosion in the steel supports. No date has yet been given for repairs or a possible reopening.

While I was there, I watched insects circling the bright spotlight at the near end of the weir. Spiders moved along their webs, catching an easy meal as the light drew prey straight into their traps.

Appeal Launched for St Ethelwold’s

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St Ethelwold’s House on East St Helen Street has launched an emergency fundraising appeal after structural work revealed more serious problems than expected. Repairs were originally estimated at £40,000, but once work began, more serious problems in the Grade II listed building brought the estimate to around £140,000.

Trustees had put aside £70,000 for emergencies and future repairs. That reserve has been used up, and a further £70,000 is needed to meet the shortfall.

The appeal was launched on 1 July, and £11,000 has already been raised, thanks to early donations. But there is still a way to go. You can see how the Appeal is going by looking at the Sunflower Display in the Garden.

St Ethelwold’s is home to the Fellowship of St Ethelwold, which is run by a small staff team supported by many dedicated volunteers. The house is used by community groups for meetings, retreats, and quiet days, and its peaceful garden is open daily to everyone as a place of peace.

Those who value the presence of this quiet space in the heart of Abingdon may want to support the appeal. To donate, visit: https://ethelwoldhouse.com/news/st-ethelwolds-appeal-we-are-at-risk-please-help.