Made in Abingdon

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Made in Abingdon
At the library there is a small display showing the Longworth Factory that opened on the Radley Road in 1960 to make scientific instruments. The board tells a little of the history of Longworth, from when they made ironing boards in the ex-Abingdon Carpet Factory. Longworth are now known as Penlon.
Made in Abingdon
On the way to the library, I passed an MG, Made in Abingdon…
Made in Abingdon
a bollard, probably made in Ballard’s Foundry in Abingdon …
Made in Abingdon
and some pottery, Made in Abingdon, in the window of Added Ingredients.

Bob Frampton will soon have a new book out called ‘Made in Abingdon’ about MGs. The museum always has a number of artifacts Made in Abingdon. And on Heritage Open Day, on the weekend of 9th-10th September, we hope to have pictures and walks about things Made in Abingdon, and the places they were made. So I would love it if people could send any pictures they have on the theme ‘Made in Abingdon’ to backstreet60@gmail.com .

Caldecott Road Lime Trees, Planning Applications, and a Scrap Yard by the River

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Both Peter and Captain Chaos have sent emails about the Lime Trees on Caldecott Road …
Lime Trees
Peter said “How to make a beautiful road ugly. The trees just needed a slight trim not wanton vandalism!” Then later, “Much of the first few trees have been amputated, but then they stopped. The rest are still overhanging the road and probably need a trim. It makes one think, did they attack the wrong trees?”
Lime Trees
Captain Chaos says “Driving down Caldecott Road a fortnight ago I was horrified to see the first half a dozen Lime trees had been given a severe pruning, so much so I considered contacting council to ask the question why? However, going by next day work appeared to have stopped. Had they attacked the wrong trees thought I? Alas, yesterday the tree surgeons were back and the once beautiful, full of leaf, row of fine looking specimens have, in my humble opinion, been mutilated.”
Lime Trees
Captain Chaos adds that “According to the VWHDC planning portal the old Hanoi café site in Stert Street has a planning application for conversation to a Vintage furniture shop, to also include a Milk Shake bar.”

“Also there is an application to demolish “The Isis” bungalow on Wilsham road. This road is undergoing quite a transformation.”

He says, “I wish the VWHDC council would do something about the scrap yard that’s now taken over the headland where the old boat house had their fuel pumps. It does not a good impression to boaters arriving here.”

Abbey Gardens – Flowers, Vegetables and Herbs

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Abbey Gardens
In the Abbey Gardens this summer there are not just the formal flower beds carpeted with flowers.
Abbey Gardens
There is also an educational display put on by Edible Abingdon which people are encouraged to try at the right time.
Abbey Gardens
This section has clear labels for Thyme, Ruby Chard, and Red Currant.
Abbey Gardens
A bit further along are Climbing French Beans, Marjoram, Mangetout Peas, and Autumn Raspberry.

Apothecary gardens were grown in the Middle Ages by Benedictine monks who studied plants and their therapeutic uses. So the herbs are very fitting for the Abbey Gardens.

Alzheimer’s Society – support for people with dementia

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Dementia
At St Nicolas Church in Abingdon on Saturday the Alzheimer’s Society had a jumble and craft sale with refreshments, and a lot of information about dementia.
Dementia
From the pulpit I got a better view of the pew-top stalls. Towards the alter were clothes, and along the church, cards, and craft work, bric-a-brac, games, and books.
Dementia
One lady told me about the fidget quilts she makes to provide tactile fun and hand activities. She does not normally sell them but gives them to community hospitals and care homes.

One of my first jobs was at Dickens Ward in Netherne Psychiatric Hospital near Coulsdon. I have strong memories of some of the people living there. There was one chap who spent a lot of his time feeling the contours and buttons and legs of the chair where he sat. He had been an upholsterer before retirement, and before the dementia robbed him of the ability to remember anything but some old memories.
Dementia
The Alzheimer’s Society also had a couple of stalls on the Market Place, as did the Vale House who are specialists in caring for people with dementia, and supporting their families – far more innovative and caring than Dickens Ward.