Here is an update on three infrastructure projects that this blog has reported on recently:
The hole in the retaining wall and the bridge uprights at the site of the former Upper Reaches Hotel are being repaired.
The new footbridge at the Kings Gate estate is now in use, although one sign still reads ‘Footpath Ahead Closed.’
The Cattle Market car park, once the poor relation of Abingdon’s car parks, now has brickwork parking bays in place of tarmac.
Following a Palm Sunday service at Trinity Church, sixteen people (some pictured here) processed around Albert Park, Abingdon. The group shared the spirit of Palm Sunday through song and by handing out palm crosses, commemorating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem at the start of Holy Week.
Here are some pictures from the blog in previous years. Palm Sunday is the Sunday when churches go outdoors and hire donkeys.
On April 12th, 2025, while Abingdon slept, Duncan Bhaskaran Brown put on his bells and ribbons for what he described as a mad challenge: over 11 hours of Morris dancing to raise funds for charity and to set a world record.
Starting at 5:00 AM, Duncan was joined by a small group of Morris dancers and official monitors. Every step was meticulously logged for verification, with a video camera capturing the entire event for additional proof.
Throughout the day, supporters dropped by, including Layla Moran, MP for Oxford West and Abingdon.
There were a group of Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers to support Duncan, and they also danced a couple of dances.
At about 4:10 PM, Duncan completed the challenge, and the video above captures the last 2 minutes.
Duncan was then greeted by wife, Sreeja, and daughter.
Duncan raised over £1,500 for the Mayor’s Charities: One Planet Abingdon and the Abingdon and District Volunteer Centre. One Planet Abingdon provided children’s activities on the day. One of their main stays is their volunteer Graham who is always on hand to lift equipment and help set things up. The Volunteer Centre showcased a car used to transport people to hospital appointments.
The Gathering Space opened on March 2nd, occupying the former Lounge Bar premises, which closed after its proprietors retired.
Situated next to The Clockwork Dragon, The Gathering Space is a board games café offering a dedicated venue for sociable games. The popularity of face-to-face gaming has been growing in recent years, with similar activities seen at Willows Shake and Preston Road Community Centre.
As well as board games, it hosts The Abingdon Sunday Social (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM), a space to meet friends, family, or make new connections.
Craft groups also hold sessions here. For example, on April 17th, there’s an evening of spring wreath-making.
