VJ Day 80 Commemorated in Abingdon

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2025 marks the 80th anniversaries of VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) on 8 May and VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day) on 15 August. A VJ Day 80 flag flew at the Royal British Legion in Abingdon to mark today’s occasion.

At noon, members of the Legion, dignitaries, and the public gathered at the War Memorial for a ceremony. The Town Crier opened proceedings, followed by a member of the Royal British Legion who read the Exhortation, ‘They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old…’.

Two minutes’ silence was then observed.

The first wreaths at the memorial were laid by the Mayor of Abingdon and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire,

followed by a veteran and representatives from other organisations.

This evening, between 6:30 and 7:00 pm, the bells of St Nicolas Church rang out as part of the anniversary commemorations. (Video of bell ringing at https://www.youtube.com/shorts/G14FbGzUOL0)

La Baguette has moved

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La Baguette has moved from a larger premises halfway along Bath Street to 5 The Square, next to Papa John’s. Under its new name, The Little Baguette Shop, the business continues selling filled baguettes, coffee, and other hot drinks. They moved around 2 August.

Abingdon Weir Footpath Open

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The footpath across Abingdon Weir has reopened, with large green “Footpath Open” signs now in place and the fencing that blocked access removed.

The walkway was closed in April 2025 due to safety concerns over corrosion in the steel support structure. At the time, the closure was expected to last about three weeks — from 22 April to 12 May — but it was understood this could be extended depending on inspection results.

During the closure, there were occasional acts of “guerrilla reopening,” with padlocks removed to let people across, only for the Environment Agency to replace them.

The Environment Agency has given no public updates about repairs or an official reopening date, but the path is open for now.

Abingdon 2026 Calendar Launch

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The annual Abingdon Calendar by Martin Wackenier went on sale at his Monday Market stall yesterday, selling well there and at his shop on Stert Street. Around 100 copies have been sold in the first 24 hours.

Martin is also selling card sets featuring Ozzy Osbourne — who died last week — based on photographs taken at Ozzy’s memorial. All proceeds from these cards will go to Parkinson’s UK.

At last week’s lantern event, Martin took a photograph that has been framed and will be included in his next batch of cards. He also hopes to send a copy to the children in Hiroshima who made the lanterns.