Artweeks – First Sunday

It was a lovely sunny Sunday afternoon for exploring Abingdon and Radley at the start of Oxfordshire Artweeks.
Artweeks
We started our tour at a house at the end of Abbot Road, in Abingdon, with views towards the trees of Boxhill Walk.
Artweeks
There were a dozen different artists with works on display, known as the “popup art collective“. Pictured above is Clare Davis with works inspired by rock formations and fossils, made with stitched and painted calico and paper.
Artweeks
They had exhibited for the first time in 2016, and were a real joy for us to discover today in 2017.
Artweeks
Next we set off to Lower Radley, following the art weeks signs.
Artweeks
Three different print makers, from the Oxford Printmakers Co-operative, had works on display. It was very interesting to hear all three talk about the different techniques they used.
Artweeks
There were also refreshments served from the studio of Susan Wheeler, one of the exhibitors. Her linocut prints are very well known in these parts.Artweeks
We were cycling home when we saw another art weeks sign pointing to site 60.
Artweeks
John Huddleston, Silversmith had a display of his work at site 60. There were examples of jewellery for sale, and examples of commissions he has undertaken – including one for St Helens Church.

John also teaches working with silver to the Abingdon Silver Group who meet at John Mason School.
Artweeks
He was a scientist working at Harwell. He sometimes rides an old moped he bought and painted in his teenage years. The blue paint is starting to peel but the moped can still reach 30 mph with a strong wind behind.

There are many more exhibitors in this area so look forward to finding some more.

Evening Walk

We walked down the Ock Valley Walk this evening. Birds were singing as it was getting dark. Every so often we walked through a cloud of midges. Last night I saw a big fish leap out of the water, but not this evening.
Hatwells
In Ladygrove Meadow, just off the Ock Bridge, Hatwells Fun Fair are there for the weekend. They have been coming to Abingdon for a couple of decades to my knowledge. It is good sized funfair with good rides but did not seem that busy.
Hatwells
We walked through the Albert Park and along Park Road and then came to the lights of Bath Street which always look good at night. The Bella Napoli was full.
Hatwells
We looked in at shop windows.

A rock band struck up at the Black Swan. Taxis were queued back round the Square including that yellow London-style cab. The Narrows pub and Grapes opposite looked particularly busy.

Then home. Oxfordshire Artweeks is happening so we checked out their website to see what is on tomorrow. I’m looking forward to the church service at Trinity tomorrow. The Moderator of the General Assembly of the United Reformed Church, Revd. Kevin Watson, is visiting. Then we will go to somewhere completely different for some art.

In Town this Morning

Rugby
On the Market Place this morning Abingdon Rugby Club had a stall. It may be the end of the season but they are continuing with activities out of season. Anybody can join in with Touch Rugby every Wednesday at 7pm at the club down Lambrick Way. Book at O2Touch.co.uk. The club is also looking for new young players to join the club (from 5 years and up).
Tories
There was also a gathering of Conservatives on the Market Place. Nationally, in local elections, they had done very well. In Oxfordshire, and Abingdon, they had done less well. In Abingdon the pendulum has swung back to the Lib-Dems who won all three County Council wards.
Tories
I also thought I heard Morris Dancers performing but it turned out to be a lone accordion player. Mr Hemmings Day of Dance is usually about this time of year on the Saturday nearest the birthday of former Abingdon Morris dancing legend Tom Hemmings.

Abingdon’s Got Talent 2017

Abingdons Got Talent
This evening there were a lot of people going to the Amey Theatre at Abingdon School. It turned out to be the Middle Year Performances for St Nicolas Primary School of Wind in the Willows.
Abingdons Got Talent
The Amey Theatre also screens productions live from the RSC in Stratford. The next one will be Antony and Cleopatra on Wednesday 24 May 2017 at 19:00.
Abingdons Got Talent
There is a lot going on at, and near, the theatre. They have Abingdon’s Got Talent in a few days time. But the school website says ‘Please note this performance is for Abingdon School boys, St Helen’s girls and staff only.‘
Abingdons Got Talent
It is not like the days when anybody could join in with Abingdon’s Got Talent on the Market Place – shown here in 2009.