P.S. on Church Twinning – Gift of a Painting of Abingdon

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Last night, the church twinning groups gathered at St Edmund’s for a closing service. Among those present were visitors from Sint-Niklaas (Belgium), Argentan (France), and Schongau (Germany), along with host families, organisers, and local church leaders.

After the service, there was time to chat and enjoy refreshments together and the chance to try out handbells.

The visitors (from all three towns but coordinated by Sint Niklaas) presented a painting they had purchased: a view of St Helen’s Church and wharf by George Vicat Cole. Executed in oil and pencil on board, the work dates to around 1880, a period when Cole devoted himself to a series of Thames views from source to sea. It is a very generous gift.

Celebrating the Life of Tom (Pat) Duffy

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Family, friends and former colleagues gathered at the Crown and Thistle to celebrate the life of Tom Duffy, known to many as Pat.

To residents of Abingdon town centre, Tom was a familiar and friendly presence — one of the well-known trio of Abingdon Town Council parking wardens, alongside Malcolm and Les. He took on the role after retirement, during a time when the wardens were well-liked by the community. They didn’t just issue tickets — they listened to residents’ concerns and passed them on to the Town Council, often acting as a bridge between local people and local government.

The trio were always ready to lend a hand beyond their official duties, stewarding the Michaelmas Fair and helping at other town events throughout the year.

Music played an important part in Tom’s life. He was often seen at Music at the Unicorn, and in an earlier photo — bearded — he looked every bit the Irish folk singer. People began calling him ‘Paddy,’ which soon became ‘Pat,’ the name that stuck.

Tom had requested a simple cremation. Jim Halliday, leader of the Town Council, described him as a no-fuss, down-to-earth person. But his family decided on this celebration at the Crown and Thistle, and the function room was packed. His friend and former colleague Malcolm remembered him as ‘a lovely chap,’ while his former boss Steve Rich called him ‘a thoroughly nice man.’

Tom will be fondly remembered by many in the town. His wife said she felt lucky to have met her soul mate so early in life — though no time could ever be long enough.

Abingdon Celebrates 25 Years of Church Twinning

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The Abingdon Church Twinning group are marking 25 years of church twinning this weekend. Visitors have come from Sint-Niklaas in Belgium, Argentan in France, and Schongau in Germany.

On Friday, visitors had a chance to explore Oxford or Blenheim Palace, followed by a supper featuring Shepherd’s Pie — in six or seven varieties. One vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie was brought in a cycle-basket by Richard. Shepherd’s Pie was followed by strawberries and cream, which may explain one Abingdon supermarket being low on strawberries today.

On Saturday, the group toured Abingdon. Although they didn’t get to see the Abingdon Air and Country Show, they could hear the aircraft buzzing about and imagine the scene from our  descriptions.

On Sunday, the weekend will draw to a close with a goodbye service and a reception at St Edmund’s Church, after a day with their host families.

One Week to Go: The Mayor of Ock Street Election

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With just over a week remaining until the election on Saturday 21st of June, a display in the window of FatFace profiles the two candidates.

Harry Knight
Soon to turn 75, Harry is an Abingdonian by adoption and was first elected Mayor of Ock Street in 2014 – a role he has held several times since. He moved to Abingdon 51 years ago and joined the Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers in 1976. For many years, he lived and worked on Ock Street as a funeral director. Harry is one of the side’s melodeon players and has also served as Bagman. He was Lead Dancer the last time the Morris performed at the Royal Albert Hall and still enjoys “Constant Billy,” one of the group’s most energetic dances. His son, Daniel, has also danced with the side.

Rob Charlton
Aged 51, Rob is a lecturer at Abingdon and Witney College and was elected Mayor of Ock Street in 2024. He first came to Abingdon over 20 years ago, arriving on his boat in search of somewhere to moor – and never left. Rob is unique in having been Lead Dancer for both Abingdon Traditional Morris sides. He supports their ongoing friendly rivalry, believing it brings spirit and colour to the town. He created the most recent original dance in the Abingdon repertoire, first performed during the Diamond Jubilee bun throwing. He’s also plays the fiddle, banjo mandolin, and other instruments during processions and music sessions.

Residents and workers in Ock Street (and its side streets), along with members of the Abingdon Traditional Morris, are eligible to vote. They are lucky to have two such good candidates.

The day will also include dancing throughout the day by The Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers and two guest teams:  Bampton Traditional Morris, and Chiltern Hundreds NW Morris. The election result will be declared soon after 4 pm at the Brewery Tap.