Following the sad death of Captain Sir Tom Moore and the advice from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, we are flying the Union Flag at half-mast from the County Hall building as a mark of respect.
Captain Sir Tom Moore was a 100-year-old war veteran whose inspirational fundraising efforts raised more than £32 million for the NHS during the first coronavirus lockdown.
Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.
The newly formed Neighbourhood Plan Steering group for Abingdon is really keen to capture a wide and representative range of voices.
In the next few weeks themed, virtual focus groups are being held to gathers views and ideas. The Eventbrite registration links for the 10 x focus groups have been set up and are detailed below. There are 15 places per group so please sign up soon to avoid disappointment.
ABINGDON FAMILIES
Tue 23 Feb [7.30pm until 9.00pm]
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/abingdon-neighbourhood-plan-abingdon-families-tickets-141344608529
Are you an adult of working age? Either with or without children, we want to hear from you. What are opportunities and challenges in Abingdon are you navigating at your stage in life? We want to know about your working week, what you do at weekends, what you do for leisure, your thoughts about the homes and schools on offer in the town. If you moved here recently, what brought you to the town? If you were born and grew up here, what keeps you in Abingdon? What changes would make Abingdon even better?
This session is a working focus group, using digital maps. It will last 90 minutes and is limited to 15 participants. This is an early session to begin to develop themes and ideas for the Abingdon Neighbourhood Plan. If you cannot take part on this date, or there are no places remaining, do not worry. There will be further opportunities to contribute as the neighbourhood plan project develops.
ACCESS & MOVEMENT
Wed 24 Feb [1.30pm until 3.00pm]
How do you get around Abingdon? Can you access the places you need to get to easily and without too much hassle? Or do you find it difficult and frustrating? Are the streets and spaces easy to navigate? What can make life easier for you as a pedestrian or somebody that needs to go into town often? We know that Covid-19 restrictions have limited our ability to move around but as the town comes out of lockdown, what changes would you want to see? How can we build a town where everybody has equal opportunity, no matter how the choose to travel?
This session is a working focus group, using digital maps. It will last 90 minutes and is limited to 15 participants. This is an early session to begin to develop themes and ideas for the Abingdon Neighbourhood Plan. If you cannot take part on this date, or there are no places remaining, do not worry. There will be further opportunities to contribute as the neighbourhood plan project develops.
LEISURE & SPORTS
Thu 25 Feb [11am until 12.30pm]
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/abingdon-neighbourhood-plan-leisure-sports-tickets-141383542983
Are you a member of a sports club in Abingdon? This could be traditional team sports like football, cricket, or rugby. Or more individual sports, like running, cycling or tennis. Does your chosen sport need facilities, like a club house, changing rooms or pitches? What investment do you need to keep your sport popular and allow participation to flourish? The neighbourhood plan can include planning policies to help support sports and leisure activities across the town and we want to hear from you.
This session is a working focus group, using digital maps. It will last 90 minutes and is limited to 15 participants. This is an early session to begin to develop themes and ideas for the Abingdon Neighbourhood Plan. If you cannot take part on this date, or there are no places remaining, do not worry. There will be further opportunities to contribute as the neighbourhood plan project develops.
CULTURE
Thu 25 Feb [1.30pm until 3.00pm]
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/abingdon-neighbourhood-plan-culture-tickets-141383635259
What is the culture of Abingdon? Where and what are the cultural hotspots? The theatres, pubs, cinemas, museums, nightclubs – we want to explore the culture of the town, both the visible and the less obvious. What traditions do you want to keep alive? And what are the alternative cultural trends? Music, art, and design? What cultural attractions will keep Abingdon alive and dynamic in future. We know that Covid-19 lockdowns have seriously affected cultural life around the world. Now is the time to review what culture means to us all and to look ahead to a brighter cultural future.
This session is a working focus group, using digital maps. It will last 90 minutes and is limited to 15 participants. This is an early session to begin to develop themes and ideas for the Abingdon Neighbourhood Plan. If you cannot take part on this date, or there are no places remaining, do not worry. There will be further opportunities to contribute as the neighbourhood plan project develops.
HEALTHY TOWN & OUTDOOR RECREATION
Fri 26 Feb [11am until 12.30pm]
What makes a healthy town? A good mix of parks and green spaces, access to informal recreation and opportunities to be outdoors all play a big role in mental health and wellbeing. We know that Covid-19 lockdowns have given many people across the country the time to get out and about and opportunity to explore where they live. There has been a new found enthusiasm for life outdoors and for living a healthy life. What does Abingdon need to maintain these opportunities? Can the town adopt an even greater healthy town mindset? We want to hear from you.
This session is a working focus group, using digital maps. It will last 90 minutes and is limited to 15 participants. This is an early session to begin to develop themes and ideas for the Abingdon Neighbourhood Plan. If you cannot take part on this date, or there are no places remaining, do not worry. There will be further opportunities to contribute as the neighbourhood plan project develops.
THE ENVIRONMENT
Mon 1 Mar [1.30pm until 3.00pm]
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/abingdon-neighbourhood-plan-the-environment-tickets-141383853913
The Abingdon Neighbourhood Plan can play a significant role in improving the environment for future generations. By adopting planning policies that influence energy consumption in new buildings, construction techniques and issues around traffic and transport, a neighbourhood plan is a powerful tool to shape the future. Carbon reduction and tackling the climate crisis are critical challenges in 2021. How should Abingdon respond, and which environmental policies and projects should be included in the neighbourhood plan?
This session is a working focus group, using digital maps. It will last 90 minutes and is limited to 15 participants. This is an early session to begin to develop themes and ideas for the Abingdon Neighbourhood Plan. If you cannot take part on this date, or there are no places remaining, do not worry. There will be further opportunities to contribute as the neighbourhood plan project develops.
HERITAGE & THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Tue 2 Mar [1.30pm until 3.00pm]
Abingdon has a long and rich history, and this leaves a legacy of many fabulous heritage buildings. The town contains 277 Listed Building, seven Scheduled Ancient Monuments and three Conservation Areas, all testament to this richness of the town’s built environment. While these assets all benefit from national level protection, what more can the neighbourhood plan do? What policies or proposals should the plan contain to ensure that future building meets the needs of the town?
This session is a working focus group, using digital maps. It will last 90 minutes and is limited to 15 participants. This is an early session to begin to develop themes and ideas for the Abingdon Neighbourhood Plan. If you cannot take part on this date, or there are no places remaining, do not worry. There will be further opportunities to contribute as the neighbourhood plan project develops.
BUSINESS, ECONOMY & THE TOWN CENTRE
Wed 3 Mar [7.30pm until 9.00pm]
What will be the businesses and economy opportunities in Abingdon ten years from now? What types of jobs and employment will be on offer in the future? While nobody an accurately predict the future, we need to do our best to shape the future of business across the town through the neighbourhood plan as best we can. Even before the Covid-19 lockdowns, town centres were changing with a rapid decline in retailing. As we emerge into a new world, what will make the town centre an appealing place to spend time?
This session is a working focus group, using digital maps. It will last 90 minutes and is limited to 15 participants. This is an early session to begin to develop themes and ideas for the Abingdon Neighbourhood Plan. If you cannot take part on this date, or there are no places remaining, do not worry. There will be further opportunities to contribute as the neighbourhood plan project develops.
YOUTH 7-11 YEARS OLD
Mon 8 Mar [6.00pm until 7.30pm]
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/abingdon-neighbourhood-plan-youth-7-11-years-old-tickets-141384766643
This session will explore the issues that affect those who live in Abingdon and are aged between 7 and 11 years old. Which places do you love to go to? Are there places to avoid? What makes you happy? What is missing from the town? What sort of place should it be in future? Where do you and your friends like to be at the weekend or after school? Which places have you visited that you really like and think Abingdon could learn from? This is a chance for you to have your say.
This session is a working focus group, using digital maps. It will last 90 minutes and is limited to 15 participants. This is an early session to begin to develop themes and ideas for the Abingdon Neighbourhood Plan. If you cannot take part on this date, or there are no places remaining, do not worry. There will be further opportunities to contribute as the neighbourhood plan project develops.
YOUTH 12-16 YEARS OLD
Tue 9 Mar [7.30pm until 9.00pm]
This session will explore the issues that affect those who live in Abingdon and are aged between 12 and 16 years old. Which places do you love to go to? Are there places to avoid? What makes you happy? What is missing from the town? What sort of place should it be in future? Where do you and your friends like to be at the weekend or after school? Which places have you visited that you really like and think Abingdon could learn from? This is a chance for you to have your say.
This session is a working focus group, using digital maps. It will last 90 minutes and is limited to 15 participants. This is an early session to begin to develop themes and ideas for the Abingdon Neighbourhood Plan. If you cannot take part on this date, or there are no places remaining, do not worry. There will be further opportunities to contribute as the neighbourhood plan project develops.
Abingdon Town Council has been working with Christ’s Hospital of Abingdon who have recently funded an initiative that enables schools to provide every child in Abingdon access to the equipment they need to effectively carry out home learning during the pandemic, and beyond, now that the use of such technology has become a fundamental part of teaching and is viewed as an essential skill for 80% of jobs available when they eventually leave school.
The Governors of Christ Hospital are delighted to have been able to support one of their key commitments to help provide educational support to Abingdon school pupils in need by funding 143 laptops so far.
Christ’s Hospital of Abingdon is the oldest of Oxfordshire’s charities and dates from 1553. It provides assistance to the people of Abingdon through four primary means:
1) The provision of Almshouses to townsfolk who are of good character, over 50 years of age and in need,
2) The support of those referred to the Charity by care agencies by assisting with the purchase of essential items,
3) Educational support to school pupils from Abingdon,
4) The support of local organizations deemed by the Governors to be of benefit to Abingdon townsfolk who are in need.
The Charity also provides public service to the town by maintaining Albert Park for use by the people of Abingdon and by maintaining the town’s historical Almshouses to the standards required of listed buildings and of comfortable modern living.
Please see the below from the Vale of White Horse District Council:
Maintenance work at the multi-storey Charter car park in Abingdon
Through the regular maintenance checks of council facilities, some urgent repair work has been identified that needs to be completed to ensure the safety of the users at the multi-storey car park in Abingdon. This means Levels 3 and upwards will be closed from 7.30pm on Wednesday 3 March until further notice.
We are currently assessing how long the works will take, but it’s likely to be a number of months. We appreciate that this is a long time, but it’s important to ensure these repairs are carried out carefully. We will let you know as soon as we have a firm idea of when the upper levels can reopen.
The lower two levels of the multi-storey will remain open, however space will be very limited and so we would encourage motorists use the town’s other car parks:
For more information about these car parks please visit – https://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/vale-of-white-horse-district-council/parking-roads-and-streets/parking/car-parks/abingdon-car-parks/.
We have contacted permit holders confirming alternative arrangements.
Please accept our apologies for the short notice and any inconvenience this may cause, but the health and safety of all car park users is our priority.
The Town Meeting is a meeting of the local government electors of Abingdon which may be attended by all electors of the town.
Under statute, the Town Meeting is convened annually by the Mayor and must take place between 1st March and 1st June. The Mayor chairs the meeting and the meeting itself is organised by the Town Council, however, it is not a meeting of the Town Council itself.
Whilst it is not a legal requirement, the Council takes the opportunity at the meeting to provide updates on its work. The Chairs of the Council’s various Committees present reports to the meeting to detail what the Committee has been doing during the last year.
The Annual Town Meeting for 2021 will take place at 7pm on Wednesday 10 March.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and government restrictions, the meeting will be held online. For more information and how to join see here.
The Town Council is organising a Flood Fair, with the aim to let people know What You Can Do In The Event Of A Flood. There will be participants from a number of agencies and organisations, with information and display stands with helpful suggestions on how to protect you, your family and your home.
The event will take place from 6.00pm to 8.00pm on Thursday 24th October 2013 in the Guildhall (the Roysse Room).
Take advantage of 25% off food bills at ASK RESTAURANT ABINGDON when you buy Comedy Club Tickets with the Guildhall.
Clubs are the last Thurs of every month except the Christmas show which is the last Friday of December.
Just show your tickets when you book ( quote on phone at booking) and the staff will make sure you are seated and served in good time before the show.
WHAT A BARGAIN – for tickets see www.wegottickets.com/ GuildhallAbingdon
The Council is again organising its annual Fun in the Park and Music in the Park on Saturday 7th June.
Fun in the Park takes place in the Abbey Grounds from 11am to 3pm. Entrance to this event is free and attractions include sports taster sessions, arts and crafts, community groups and much more.
Later in the afternoon, the Abbey Grounds is transformed and the “Music in the Park” event takes place from 5.30 pm (gates open at 4.30pm). Music in the Park showcases performances by a variety of bands ranging from easy-listening through pop to rock. This year the event will be opened by The Undercovers, followed by Free for All; Prisoners of Katrina and Skin the Cat. The event concludes with the traditional “Proms in the Park” performed by Abingdon Town Band with the Mayor, Cllr Angela Lawrence as the soprano soloist and Abingdon Community Choir followed by a spectacular fireworks display.
Following the success of last year’s events, when record crowds attended both Fun in the Park and Music in the Park, preparations for both events are proceeding well. Music in the Park sold out in 2013 and this year tickets are selling even quicker, with almost half the tickets now sold. If you want to attend this popular event, you are encouraged to get your tickets now. They are on sale from the Council’s Information Centre, which is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5 pm and Saturdays 10am to 3pm. Tickets cost £5 (adult), £2 for those aged 5 to 17. Those under the age of five are free, but still need a ticket.
For further enquiries please contact the Town Council on 01235 522642, e-mail enquiries@abingdon.gov.uk
Updated Monday 10th February 2014
Following recent heavy rain, with more forecast, there is renewed concern regarding the potential for flooding in Abingdon. A Flood Warning has this evening been issued for the River Thames in Abingdon and there is a Flood Alert the River Ock from Watchfield to Abingdon. The warnings may be accessed by clicking here.
To sign up for flood warnings please click here
The District Council along with the County Council co-ordinate the local response to problems caused by flooding, including the supply of sandbags if necessary. Click here to reach the relevant section of the District Council website
The District Council have also advised:
Important telephone numbers:
Information about sandbags:
Travel and transport:
The Town Council has been assisting the District Council and residents in affected properties with the moving and delivery of sandbags and remain on standby for action. It is monitoring the effects of flooding on Town Council facilities and for safety reasons the Margaret Brown Gardens and the Ock Valley Walk remain closed until further notice.
Updates will follow as necessary.
Updated: 10th February 2014, 7.35 pm. Information correct as at that date and time,
Please note that the Guildhall Committee Meeting due to take place at 7pm on Thursday 16th January has been cancelled.
