Farewell to Father Paul Smith

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On the eve of the Feast of St Paulinus, St Michael’s Church was filled with family, friends, and colleagues of Father Paul Smith, gathered to give thanks for his 25 years of ordained ministry and to wish him well in retirement.

The preacher, Revd Patrick Taylor – who studied with Paul at Cuddesdon Theological College – explained that Paulinus was a nickname from those days, one that Paul still uses to sign his paintings. St Paulinus was both a missionary and companion, and Revd Taylor drew a parallel with Paul’s own gift for companionship and encouragement.

In a farewell message in this month’s Round & About magazine, Father Paul wrote that he is leaving Abingdon after living and ministering here since 2010 as Team Vicar of St Michael’s, Park Road, and St Nicolas’, in the Market Place. His journey to ordination was shaped by living with cerebral palsy and using a wheelchair. He has been described as a trailblazer in the Church. It has sometimes been ‘relentless, exhausting and lonely.’

Father Paul expressed deep gratitude for the people of Abingdon and for the privilege of sharing in their joys and sorrows. Abingdon and its people will always have a special place in my heart.

(Photographs by Revd David Bevington. With thanks to Rob Rutherford. In the first picture are Revd Patrick Taylor, Revd Dr A. K. M. Adam, Revd Paul Smith, and Revd Jennifer Brown.)

Phab Club Celebrates 40 Fabulous Years!

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Last week, the Vale of White Horse / Abingdon Phab Club celebrated its 40th anniversary.

The club was founded by David Carter to give people with disabilities, like himself, a welcoming place to socialise, have fun, and make friends. David’s legacy lives on through his parents, Barbara and Nigel Carter, who continue to run the club with great humour (and a little help from friends Sylvia, Lorraine, Colin and Sarah — all pictured).

The celebration took place at Christ Church, Abingdon, the club’s home. There was pizza from Caprinos – just across the road, a rousing – if slightly out of tune, ‘Happy Birthday to us… ‘, and chocolate cake. There was a ‘Secret Santa’ style gift swap – everyone brought a little present (max. price £5) and went home with a surprise.

In 1995–96, Nigel received a Mayor’s Award from then-Mayor Cllr Dr Jim Halliday for his work with Phab — originally known as the Physically Handicapped and Able Bodied Club. (The language has changed, but the name Phab remains.)

Nigel, now aged 80, is still going despite facing some serious health challenges over the years, with Barbara by his side. Nigel is a former undertaker – a business now run by his son – and also Pastor of Frilford Chapel, which also has a Youtube channel with a style all of its own (pictured above).

Such staying power is perhaps only matched by Cllr Jim Halliday, who, 30 years after presenting that Mayor’s Award, is leader of the Town Council yet again.

Robin and The Twins Tandem Ride for Camp Mohawk

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On Saturday October 4th, Robin Day and his twins were given a send-off by the Mayor of Abingdon and the Town Crier as they set off on a sponsored tandem ride in aid of Camp Mohawk — a day centre near Wargrave that supports children and young people with special needs and their families. Camp Mohawk has played a very important role for Robin and his children.

Robin cycled from Dalton Barracks to RAF Benson after learning how challenging fundraising has been this year for the charity, saying he was determined ‘to make a difference for the 700+ families who rely on the charity’s support.’

Thanks were also extended to Charlotte’s Tandems for providing the adapted bike — previously featured on this blog during Ride and Stride in September — and to the Abingdon Freewheelers, who accompanied them on the journey. Help was also given by the Fund-raising Organiser at Camp Mohawk and two members of the Berkshire Freemasons. Robin is deeply grateful to all of them for their help.

You can sponsor Robin’s ride here:
JustGiving – Thank You Camp Mohawk

(Thank you to Mary for the picture and for letting me know about it.)

Tuesday and end of the Michaelmas Fair – 2025

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There are many thousands of people — and plenty of dogs — who come to enjoy the funfair, some wide-eyed with excitement, others rather more long-suffering.

There are the stallholders running all sorts of games of skill and luck.

And the food vendors offering irresistible, if not exactly healthy, treats. How good is candy floss for you?

At every junction there’s a barrier and a parked vehicle to make sure no one can accidentally — or deliberately — drive into the crowd. One of the Town Council trucks can be seen at Conduit Road (along with a watchful cat).

There are the Police, PCSOs, and other security staff keeping an eye on things. Also seen here with the Police are some Street Pastors — there to offer a friendly presence, a listening ear, and practical help where needed.

There are the first aiders, ready to respond to the occasional bump or dizzy spell.

And behind it all, Bob Wilson Funfairs, who organise the fair under agreement with the Town Council. They even bring their own photographer and drone to capture the spectacle stretching from the end of Ock Street to the Market Place.

Everything is taken down with great speed once the fair closes, the lights are used to help as dismantling begins around 10:30 pm.

By the early hours, rides have folded away, trucks are loaded, and the convoy heads off to the next stop — the annual Mop Fair at Stratford-upon-Avon on 11 and 12 October, also run by Bob Wilson Funfairs.

By Wednesday morning in Abingdon, there will be little sign of the fair that filled the streets with colour and noise — just a few stacked barriers, a handful of out-of-date signs, and a lighter wallet. Children’s rides were around £3 this year, most adult rides about £5. Burgers and hot dogs cost £6, cheeseburgers £7 — though you could have picked up a burger for a lot less at the local takeaways which do undercut the fairground price.