St Ethelwold’s is secured thanks to your generous support

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Trustees at St Ethelwold’s House says a midwinter surge in donations has meant the appeal has reached £72,000, securing the future of the building.

There are still a few events and pledges to come, so the Fund will remain open until 31 January, when final figures will be confirmed.

Any additional money raised will help rebuild reserves after meeting the final costs of repairing the rotten timbers. Trustees says the level of generosity has exceeded expectations and will allow the work to be completed with confidence for the future.

Coming in just before Christmas, with the fund raising indicator, reminded me of the indicators for the Blue Peter Christmas appeals is the 1970s when lots of children collected old newspapers, used postage stamps, or aluminium foil to be turned into cash for life boats, children’s charities and emergency appeals.

It has been an inspiring time, hearing why St Ethelwold’s is appreciated in Abingdon. Trustees says they will continue to care for the house, the garden and the spirit of the place, so they can be cherished by future generations.

They look forward to inviting everyone to celebrate soon.

Tuesday at Preston Road Community Centre including the Prize Bingo

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At Preston Road Community Centre there were several activities taking place during the day. In the small hall the lace makers were at work, while a health group met in the medium hall. As evening approached and these groups finished, volunteers arrived to bring in food for the Foodbank Christmas hampers, which are distributed this Wednesday. Supplies were brought over from the depot at Christ Church and also from Waitrose.

Later on, the medium hall was taken over by Tuesday night prize bingo. The no-cash prizes were laid out in advance and included hampers, some alcohol, and a wide range of other items.

The evening went well, although there was a moment of confusion with the bingo calling machine. It displays two numbers: the number to call on the right, and the count of numbers called so far on the left. After announcing the next prize in one game, with the line already won, Bob announced the full house prize on the green ticket as ‘a beech serving board’. He added, ‘It is a big one,’ holding it up, which prompted some interesting replies. Shortly afterwards, he began reading out ’30, 31′ — the count of numbers — rather than the bingo numbers themselves, before realising what had gone wrong. Jill came through from counting the money to help get things back on track. Jill is the more experienced caller.

At the halfway break there was free party food and a drink for everyone. That was followed by more games and then a free Christmas game to win a convector heater. The evening then moved on to the raffle and cash prizes.

Bob rounded things off by telling a Christmas joke:
‘Why do you never see Father Christmas in hospital? Because he has a private elf service.’

He then wished everyone a Merry Christmas and said he looked forward to seeing them all again in the New Year.

Evergreens Club Ends the Year with Party thanks to Stephanie

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The final meeting of the year of the Evergreens Club at Trinity Church was a Christmas celebration, with entertainment provided by half of the Mellstock Choir. They sang Christmas songs and carols, many of them associated with Thomas Hardy’s family and neighbourhood, and also read extracts from Hardy’s writings. There were also lively dancing songs that had feet tapping.

In the second half of the afternoon, everyone joined in singing well-loved carols, accompanied on the piano by Sheila. The gathering was completed with party food and a special cake and a secret santa.

Stephanie, a member who died last year, had left a gift to the club, and it was decided to use this to fund this party, which was attended by about fifty members and visitors. Stephanie’s daughter was present to cut the cake.

(The middle image is shown in a cartoon style, to capture the atmosphere while not showing people whose permission I did not ask.)

Things That Caught My Eye Around Abingdon

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At the top of West St Helen Street, the barriers have now been removed. Pedestrians can once again use the pavement on the left when heading up to High Street, and the alleyway leading down to the back of the Grapes pub, and the rear of other properties, is open again.

On the Market Place, members of the Christ Army Charismatic Ministries were offering food to people passing by — rice and peas and spices, chicken and salad. One young woman explained that they were also there to share the ‘good news’. The group meets at Larkmead School and grew from a small gathering that began near Dalton Barracks. They now serve food and offer to pray for people in the town as part of their outreach activities four times a year.

Above the County Hall Museum, a red, white and green flag was flying. At first it appeared to be the flag of a country. I looked up red, white and green and found Hungary, which seemed unlikely. The town council’s flag policy, has that 14 December marks the anniversary of the passing of the Representation of the People Act 1918, when the suffrage flag — purple, white and green — will be flown. On looking again, the top stripe must be purple. The suffrage flag is derived from the suffragette flag.