Progress at Radley Reach, Abingdon

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Since my last visit in November, progress has been made at the Radley Reach development off the Twelve Acre Drive. Dozens of new homes are now occupied.

Phase 2 is well underway, with more houses rising steadily behind the completed areas.

Several roads have now been given road signs. Among them are Russell Avenue and Spooner Court. Peter Spooner was the Mayor of Abingdon from 1987 to 1988. Could Russell Avenue be a tribute to Tony Russell, once the bagman of the Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers?

Elsewhere, the road names follow an Abingdon Abbey theme with names such as Monk Crescent, Prior Road, Monastery Gardens, Cantor Row, and Benedictine Row.

The Benedictine Row sign also points to the Sports Pavilion.

Behind the housing, the development borders open farmland, with wheat growing close to the perimeter.

Abingdon Weir Bridge Still Closed – No Progress, No Timeline

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The footbridge across the weir at Abingdon Lock remains closed, with no indication of when it might reopen. Despite being shut for safety reasons on April 22nd due to corrosion in the structure, there is no visible work on site and no updates on site from the Environment Agency on a repair schedule.

This closure cuts off a popular circular walk across the Thames and leaves many walkers, runners, and visitors upset. The route is particularly well-used during the summer months and has long been part of daily life in Abingdon.

Update on A34 Lodge Hill Slip Road Works and North Abingdon Developments Sewer

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Preparatory work has been underway for the past couple of weeks before the construction of new south-facing slip roads onto the A34 at Lodge Hill. These works began in mid-May and are expected to continue for approximately eight weeks.

Vegetation has been cleared, including trees, near the private access road to Egertons.

A temporary builder’s compound is also being set up off the private access road to Egertons.

Utility diversions are also happening.

The main construction is likely to start in late summer 2025 and continue until winter 2026.

Work has recommenced — following a delay — on the installation of sewers for the new North Abingdon housing developments. This work is expected to be completed by the end of September 2025. Traffic lights are in place at the top of Oxford Road, with other work near the Oxford Road roundabout.

Trinity Church Celebrates 150 Years

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On Friday, Trinity Church in Abingdon was prepared for its 150th anniversary celebrations. For the first time in many years, the north transept (top left in the photo) was opened up, creating enough space for the occasion.

Saturday saw a commemoration service. Over sixty names were read aloud, with candles lit in remembrance of those who played a part in the church’s past.

Sunday (today) was a homecoming. Former ministers and members returned, joined by friends from other churches in the area. The Mayor of Abingdon, Cllr Rawda Jehanli, led a procession that included previous ministers, local church leaders, and guests such as the great-great-grandson of John Creemer Clarke — whose vision and generosity helped establish Trinity Church 150 years ago.

The thanksgiving service involved hymns, prayers, and reflections, with many voices contributing to the celebration.

Here at the tea afterwards is the Mayor of Abingdon with Revd Malcolm Atherton, minister at Trinity from 1995–2005, and Revd Georgina Bondzi-Simpson, current minister of Trinity and All Saints.

Here Revd Paul Smith, from St Michael and All Angels, and St Nicolas Church in Abingdon, leaves a message in the visitors’ book.

Many thanks to Neil, who led much of the organisation of what was a fitting celebration.