Vale of White Horse Leisure Centre – Greener Buildings

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Work has begun on replacing the gas boilers at the White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre in Abingdon. The contractor has taken over the centre’s overflow car park.

The new heating will be Air Source Heat Pumps, powered by 600 new solar panels on the roof. The project is funded by the government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, Community Infrastructure Levy (developer funding), and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

There should not be much disruption to users as most of the work is outside or on the roof. Similar work will be carried out at the Wantage Leisure Centre. It is expected to be completed by March 2026, and the council estimates it will reduce overall carbon usage by over 25%.

Christ Church – Greener Buildings

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Christ Church, Northcourt, Abingdon, has received a £144,000 grant for its decarbonisation project. Work began on January 27th and is expected to be completed by the end of February.

The project includes the installation of air source heat pumps, solar panels and batteries, new insulation and lighting, suspended ceilings, and new double-glazed windows for improved energy efficiency.

During the project, approximately 40 groups and hirers have been temporarily relocated or have paused their meetings. Scaffolding has been erected, and the lounge, upper room, hall, and vestry have been inaccessible. Groups will return to warmer and more comfortable rooms. The project will also reduce the site’s carbon footprint by 25%. It also addresses the long-standing challenge of heating the hall during colder months.

The Lens of Love

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Today was the 14th of February – Valentine’s Day. For some, the world was seen through a lens of love.

Some may have been tempted to get an engagement ring because Robert Gatward Jewellers had 50% off.

In the shed window, hearts formed a red trail, guiding people inside to find something special.

A cascade of hearts in Masons’ window tempted crafters to make their own Valentine’s Card.

Acacia had been brightened by a red Valentine’s display.

But as the afternoon wore on, love gave way to mischief. Acacia moved onto their next adventure with Alice in Wonderland: ‘We’re All Mad Here!’

A Community Noticeboard where lots of events come together

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If you are walking past the window of Howden, you’ll notice in one window a colourful community noticeboard.

For the next week or so, here are some of the events and happenings to check out:

The Studio Theatre Club presents Anton Chekhov’s classic play, The Cherry Orchard, at the Unicorn Theatre.

The Abingdon Area Archaeology and History Society will host a talk on The Archaeological Excavations at Wittenham Clumps. Discover the fascinating findings of a 2,700-year-old Iron Age blacksmith’s workshop, a cluster of roundhouses, and more.

An event at St Ethelwolds will explore common themes across different faiths. “The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.” said – Baháʼu’lláh (a central figure in the Baháʼí Faith).

On another board, outside Mostly Books, bestselling author Jojo Moyes will be speaking at Trinity Church, discussing her latest novel – We All Live Here.