Three Markets, One Town


One day after the Farmers’ Market, Abingdon hosted a Local Excellence Market. The Town Crier was once more ringing out a warm welcome, encouraging people to shop locally rather than online.

Martin had a stall showcasing his photographs. Among the visitors was the lady featured walking up St Helen’s Wharf in the snow — a scene from one of his most celebrated winter pictures. Martin had also been at the Farmers Market and will be at the Monday Market.

Busby Bees, a regular presence at both the Farmers’ Market and the Local Excellence Market, were notably absent from yesterday’s event. David said that it was the first Farmers’ Market he had missed in a long time.

Clare Cross shared her enjoyment of the Local Excellence Market, saying that it is usually busy. She had a selection of artworks on sale at half price, with proceeds going toward an animal sanctuary.

All these markets continue to be an important part of Abingdon life.

Tyre Sales Abingdon Closes After 30 Years; Kwik Fit to Open New Branch


After three decades of service, Tyre Sales Abingdon, the local independent tyre specialist located behind the Esso Garage on Marcham Road, has closed its doors. The company will continue operations through its sister outlet, Sutton Courtenay Tyres, located just 10 minutes away.

Kwik Fit, a leading supplier of tyres in the UK, is all set to open a new branch at the former Tyre Sales Abingdon premises.

Thanks to Newcomer for this report.

The First Day of Spring in Abingdon


The first day of spring brought blue skies and sunshine to Abingdon. People went outdoors to enjoy the town’s riverside beauty. Signs of the changing season were everywhere. Cherry blossoms from a fallen tree still bloomed and added colour to this view of Abingdon Bridge and The Nags Head pub.

Yellow daffodils near the water’s edge brightened the view of Abingdon Bridge and The Riverside Cafe – a popular spot for those wanting a coffee and cakes or lunch with a view.

From another angle, the spire of St Helen’s Church rose above The Riverside Cafe.

Cherry trees also bloomed near the Old Gaol.

For people who did not have to work  there was a chance to slow down and enjoy the beauty of the first day of Spring in Abingdon, the vernal equinox, when day and night are of nearly equal length. Although up to recently I used to think it was March 21st.

Experience Easter 2025


Trinity Learning has a number of workshops for children aged 7 to 11 telling the Easter Story. Thousands of children have enjoyed these workshops since they started back in 2010. This week around 200 children are visiting Trinity church with about 160 more taking part online.

Trinity church has been laid out to show the different scenes. The children gather outside in the welcome area and are then led into the church with the exciting sounds of praise as Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a Donkey. They take part in the last supper where Jesus washed the disciples feet, onto the crucifixion where Jesus gave his life and then his resurrection.

Storytellers from different churches in Abingdon take children through the scenes which are part story and part interaction – like washing hands (instead of feet), sharing bread, and making beaded strings to think of people who are going through a difficult time.

They learn about important things like hope (even when things are hard), and caring about other people’s feelings. The Trinity Learning website is at https://trinitylearning.org.uk/. To request a password to watch the videos, email: nic.trinitylearning@gmail.com .