Work at 3 West St Helen Street has been ongoing for two weeks now. The building’s end wall has been taken down and the scaffolding on that side removed, revealing the plastic sheeting that now covers the exposed section. This is the most visible progress on the project in a year.
Trinity Church, Abingdon, was decorated with flowers and fruit for this year’s Harvest Thanksgiving service.
During the opening hymn, We Plough the Fields and Scatter, people brought gifts of food to the front of the church. These will be distributed to people in need through the Abingdon Foodbank. In her sermon, Revd Carol Hamilton-Foyn reflected on how food might be more fairly shared in today’s world.
The pictures above show the Farmers’ Market on Friday and the fruit and veg stall on the Market Place on Saturday.
The food brought to the Harvest Thanksgiving was in line with the Abingdon Foodbank Harvest 2025 ‘in need of’ guide. The foodbank operates out of Christchurch and Preston Road Community Centre.
John Killick led a tour of the garden at St Ethelwold’s House on the theme of biodiversity.
He spoke about how, throughout history, humans have spread across the world and hunted many animals to extinction. In more recent times, large areas of the earth’s surface have been covered with hard materials such as aggregate which reduces natural habitats.
The group visited a rock supporting lichens, a cooperative growth of fungus and algae, before learning about grasses, which are wind-pollinated and do not rely on insects. John discussed which flowers best support insects, and the role of trees in providing habitats. The garden’s walnut tree, though not native, still benefits many creatures – and an oak tree would support even more.
Afterwards, thanks to Susie and other volunteers, scones were served
Donations were invited for the St Ethelwold’s building appeal, which is now well over halfway to its £70,000 target (currently at £44,000). Thanks to a generous supporter, any contributions made this month (from the 10th Sept to 10th Oct) will be matched – up to £10,000 – doubling their impact.
The Ock River Bakery, which opened just a week ago, has already proved very popular. This morning the courtyard and cabin had a steady flow of visitors, with queues at times. It looks like they’ve found the perfect gap in the market – and in Ock Street.
The bakery is at the site of a former outdoor flower and plant seller – neatly filling the gap between Abingdon Baptist Church and Coxeters – and offers fresh, locally made breads and pastries. Three courtyard tables give customers a sunny spot to enjoy patisseries with hot drinks. I tried a Double Chocolate Pain au Chocolat with hot chocolate – a very good way to fill a mid-morning gap.
The bakery is run by Maria, formerly Head Chef at The Eyston Arms, who has spent time honing her patisserie skills at a local bakery. The bread is supplied by a nearby baker, to keep things all local. It was selling fast.