Loveliest of trees, the cherry now

3 Replies


Walking into the Abbey Gardens, first you see Magnolia

and then a line of trees in blossom.

Loveliest of trees, the cherry now
Is hung with bloom along the bough
(from Shropshire Lad by A E Houseman)

The Abbey Grounds are transformed into a wonderland of white.

Trees, both near the Cattle Market Carpark and around Abbey House, are hung with blooms. The small leaves are just appearing.

Even yesterday’s strong winds haven’t marred this yet. The trees are at the height of a Spring celebration.

Family Unit and Female Flight

Leave a reply


While walking along the River Thames in the countryside beyond Swift Ditch, I spotted my first ducklings of the year. They paddled close together behind their mother, forming a cohesive family unit.

On my way home, near the open-air pool on the Millstream, I saw a group of ducks engaged in what appeared to be mating behaviour. There were males crowding around a single female! She eventually broke free and took flight, with a couple of the males in pursuit.

Abingdon Spring Show

3 Replies


The Abingdon Horticultural Society’s Spring Show was a vibrant display of local gardening expertise. Mayor Councillor Gwyneth Lewis presented awards to the winners, having been warmly welcomed by Society Chairman David Bingley.

Charlton Park Garden Centre, the show’s sponsor, provide support. This Wantage-based garden centre also offers a regular stall at Abingdon Market every Monday.

The competition included various categories of spring blooms and houseplants. This year’s tulips were particularly impressive. There were also handicraft and cookery competitions.

Founded in 1885, the Abingdon Horticultural Society has a long history of nurturing local gardeners. Learn more about the society and its upcoming events at https://www.abingdon-hort-soc.org.uk/.

Abingdon town centre was brightened today by people collecting for the Marie Curie charity, who provide support at the end of life, whether at home or in hospices.

Abingdon Events: Flowers, Music, Theatre, and Song!

Leave a reply


The Abingdon Horticultural Society spring show will be open to the public from 2-4pm at the NorthCourt Centre, with prizegiving and raffle at 4pm.

On Saturday 20 April at 5pm, Harmony InSpires ladies a capella choir will be returning to St Michael’s Church with ‘Harmony in Springtime’, a concert of 4-part harmony in a wide variety of styles from musicals, pop classics and ballads. There will be a guest appearance from Caritas Children’s Choir, a charitable venture of the Wantage and Grove Christian Aid Group.

In their 80th year, The Abingdon Drama Club’s production of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead runs from April 17th to 20th at the Unicorn Theatre in Abingdon. This is a backstage view of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, following the perspective of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, two minor characters who find themselves increasingly confused by the events unfolding around them.

Only one day remaining (matinee and evening) for 9 To 5, the current production of the Abingdon Operatic Society.