Tyred of staying in? Go out in Abingdon

Leave a reply


Another place to check out upcoming local events is the window of Merityre on Ock Street in Abingdon.

Abingdon & District Musical Society have a concert, taking place on Saturday, 22nd March 2025 at 7:30 PM at St Helen’s Church. The programme includes:
Britten – Rejoice in the Lamb
Rutter – Gloria
Kodály – Missa Brevis

There is a production of “Abigail’s Party” by Mike Leigh, presented by Abingdon Drama Club at the Unicorn Theatre from Wednesday 26th March – Saturday 29th March.

An Agnostics Anonymous meeting at St Helen’s Parish Centre in Abingdon will have an open discussion on Prayer for Agnostics.

There are a series of events scheduled as part of the ATOM Festival of Science & Technology, taking place from 15th-26th March.  Among these is Science on the Market Place this Saturday. atomfestival.org.uk has the details.

The Launch of The Radley Lakes Story

Leave a reply


The launch of The Radley Lakes Story took place at Unit 24 in Bury Street this evening (12/3/2025).

All six authors, the two editors, and other contributors were there to celebrate the book’s release. Roger Thomas, joint editor, together with the Chair of the Radley Lakes Trust, introduced the book. It tells the story of how Radley Lakes near Abingdon was transformed from gravel pits into a wildlife haven.

A key section of the book focuses on the “Save Radley Lakes” campaign from 2005 to 2008, when local residents fought to stop two lakes from being filled with coal ash from Didcot A Power Station. The campaign succeeded, and RWE npower, the site’s owners, gave the lakes to a wildlife trust to protect them. Today, Radley Lakes is a place where people can enjoy nature and peaceful walks.

The book is beautifully produced and illustrated and covers the area’s history, the “Save Radley Lakes” campaign (told by Marjorie White), and includes chapters on the plants and animals found at the lakes (co-written by David Guyoncourt).

The book is dedicated to Basil Crowley, who led the “Save Radley Lakes” campaign. Proceeds from sales will go to the Radley Lakes Trust, which supports the site, now cared for by The Earth Trust. Copies are available at Abingdon bookshops and the Abingdon Museum.

Awaiting a Future

3 Replies


This conspicuous black-and-white timber-framed building in Stert Street has a symmetrical gabled roof and a Tudor appearance. The shopfront with large glass windows has an abandoned look. The building once housed the much loved Prices Stationers which closed in December 2021. The freehold was sold in August 2023, but no changes have been visible since and the shop remains empty. Hopefully something will happen soon to give it a new purpose.

St Helen’s Wharf Road – 3rd closure this year

4 Replies


The road to St Helen’s Wharf is closed again, and this time, there’s a cage surrounding the work area. Unlike the emergency gas repair last week this closure has come with prior notice. Thames Water expect to be finished by 14th March.

Trade appeared slower than usual at the Monday Market, with some of the stall holders packing up early. It’s not clear whether this was due to the road closure or the damp weather.

Here’s a peaceful St Helen’s Wharf – free of traffic.