Monthly Archives: April 2016

The Red Cross in Abingdon 1915-2016

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The Red Cross in Abingdon
The Red Cross have a long association with Abingdon. One hundred years ago, during World War I, Tesdale House Auxiliary Hospital was set up in Abingdon. Tesdale House,which I believe is now 22 and 24 Marcham Road (pictured above) – together with 2 adjoining houses, had 60 beds. There was also a Nissen Hut for recreation set up in the garden.
The Red Cross in Abingdon
The hospital was open for the first soldiers in March 1915 and closed in March 1919 having cared for over 1,000 soldiers. Nurses included Miss Challenor, who gave an account of the hospital in a booklet, about the Red Cross in Berkshire, to be found in Abingdon Library local reference section.
The Red Cross in Abingdon
Nowadays the Red Cross in Abingdon have a building in Colwell Drive, next to McDonalds.
The Red Cross in Abingdon
They still help people in times of crisis.

People interested in finding out more, and possibly helping, will be welcomed to a Coffee Morning next week.

Abingdon Lock developments

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Abingdon Lock
At Abingdon Lock a number of changes were made during the winter before last. The back drainage area was cleared and landscaped,
Abingdon Lock
and a carved crocodile appeared in the ditch.
Abingdon Lock
There have been further developments last winter. The lock island is beginning to look like a wooden menagerie.
Abingdon Lock
A Pooh like bear has appeared next to the Abingdon Lock sign.
Abingdon Lock
Not just wooden animals, but also houses for real animals have appeared.

Abingdon Horticultural Society Spring Show

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Thanks to Ian for this report ….
Abingdon Horticultural Society Spring Show
Abingdon Horticultural Society held it’s  Spring Show on 2 April at the Northcourt centre.
Abingdon Horticultural Society Spring Show
The number of entries this year were very encouraging, bearing  in mind the strange growing season we have had so far. A warm, damp December and January produced breaking buds and flowers very early, then the cold, frosty and windy periods of February and March almost halted the growing of many plants. Then, suddenly, the few days of warmer temperatures tempted enough flowers to open and give us a nice selection for the show.  On the day lovely sunshine persuaded many visitors to enjoy tea and cake outside.
Abingdon Horticultural Society Spring Show
In addition to the excellent display of plants and flowers, there were numerous entries in the domestic skills categories. Numerous exhibits of lemon curd, marmalade, buns and cakes were admired by the many visitors. The childrens’ categories were impressive, including beautifully decorated eggs, cakes and flowers.

A ‘Spring Theme’ photographic competition, held for the first time this year, attracted several high quality prints to complement the pictures of the Spring gardens competition.   Sales of cheap plants, cake and honey proved hugely successful, attracting many enthusiastic buyers.
Abingdon Horticultural Society Spring Show
We hope the interest will be retained by our many visitors for the Autumn Show on 3rd September.

Oxford United Scarfs and EU Campaigners and Brecon to Breckon Cyclists

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Oxford United Scarfs
On a brilliantly sunny Saturday morning, Paolo from Brazil, wearing a Chile T shirt, kindly stood next to the Oxford United scarfs and memorabilia that are on sale in Abingdon. Oxford United Play Barnsley in the final of the Football League Trophy, at Wembley, tomorrow.
Oxford United Scarfs
Also in town this morning were campaigners wanting to leave the European Union. There is a referendum on 23 June 2016 when UK citizens will vote on the question ‘Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?’
Brecon to Breckon
Then in the afternoon, when the sun had gone in, there was a crowd waiting for cyclists who had cycled from the Brecon Beacons in Wales back to Abingdon, over 120 miles, including one on a Pashley bicycle.
Brecon to Breckon
The event was sponsored by Breckon and Breckon Estate Agents, and Outdoor Traders, to raise money for local charity Blue Skye Thinking.