Dancing at Lughnasa and Verdi’s Requiem

Leave a reply

Thanks to Colette and Pete for these two upcoming events by two important Abingdon institutions.

Abingdon Drama Club presents Dancing at Lughnasa, Brian Friel’s lyrical play, from 2nd to 5th July at the Unicorn Theatre.

Set in 1930s rural Ireland, the play captures two afternoons in the lives of five sisters during the festival of Lughnasa.

Director Colette Lardner-Browne, who grew up in Galway, brings a personal connection to the production. “I was captivated by the play’s rich characters and lyrical language,” she says. “It’s a joy to bring this beautiful story to Abingdon.”

Performances:
Wed–Sat, 2nd–5th July at 7:30pm
Sat matinee, 5th July at 2:30pm

Tickets: £15 / £12 concessions
Available online at abingdon-drama-club.com or from The Bookstore.

On Saturday 14th June at 7:30pm, Abingdon & District Musical Society will perform Verdi’s Requiem in the Amey Theatre at Abingdon School.

The performance will be conducted by Alexander Walker and the orchestra will be led by Kate Bailey.

Tickets will cost £15 on the door or £13 in advance (booking fees apply). Under-£16s, £1. Tickets available from boxoffice@abingdon.org.uk, or visit www.ameytheatre.org.uk, or tel. 01235-849063.

Closures of NatWest and Pablo Lounge on Abingdon Market Place

25 Replies


In the past week, it has been announced that the NatWest Bank will close, and staff at Pablo Lounge have told customers they also are to close.

NatWest is the latest in a line of banks to shut their Abingdon branch — part of a wider national trend as customers increasingly move to digital banking. However, the closure will inconvenience local businesses that rely on bank services such as change, as well as customers who are not online. The Abingdon branch is set to close on 24th September.

Pablo Lounge’s staff were informed last week that it is closing at the end of this month. Since opening in 2018, Pablo Lounge has been a popular spot for coffee, snacks, or meals — staying open until 11 pm and known for its friendly staff. Its quirky interior, with paintings covering the walls, gave it a charm that will be missed.

According to the 1854 Billings Directory, the bank started as the London and County Bank in Abingdon in the Market Place. In 1909, the London and Westminster Bank merged with the London and County Bank. More Mergers and name changes followed until in 1968, the Westminster Bank merged with the National Provincial Bank to form the National Westminster Bank – now known simply as NatWest.

Abingdon Oxfam Shop Wins National Award

1 Reply


The Abingdon Oxfam shop volunteers have been named Shop Team of the Year in the 2025 Oxfam Volunteer Awards — a national honour that recognises outstanding dedication and teamwork. The team achieved this without currently having a shop manager in place.

When asked about the award, a volunteer at the till said they were “very proud to have won.” The framed certificate now takes pride of place in the shop.

The shop itself is well-organised and a mix of fairtrade goods, second hand books and music, toys, homeware and ornaments, and clothing.

The window display has a mix of fashion, art, and vintage items.

Pride Month in Abingdon: June 1st–30th

Leave a reply


Throughout June, Abingdon councils and businesses are showing support for Pride Month, a time dedicated to celebrating LGBTQ+ communities and culture and promoting inclusivity.

The Helen & Douglas House shop has a window display with colourful dresses on mannequins arranged in rainbow order, with a rainbow stripe along the bottom.

The Pride flag flies from the Abingdon County Hall, reflecting the Town Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ residents. A Pride picnic is planned later in the month.

Mostly Books is joining in with a rainbow flag in the window and a display of books — exploring LGBTQ+ lives and themes.

These local displays are part of a wider movement. Pride Month is observed in June to mark the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall riots, a series of gay liberation protests in the US. It has since grown from the US into a global movement.