Crime & Safety
New Abingdon Monk statue to appear soon near A34 interchange
A wooden monk could be seen for many years at the roundabout on the Marcham Road where drivers can access Abingdon Tesco Extra and Fairacres Retail Park.
But last year the statue was removed after it rotted and only a small Buddha statue was left in its place.
READ MORE: Roundabout Buddha looking lonely
Now a new monk statue has been created by Manchester-based wood carver Mike Burgess, and it is expected to be lowered into place over the Easter weekend.
The return of a monk to the roundabout was the idea of the St Swithuns Lodge of Abingdon Freemasons.
Kenny Moore, a member of the lodge, who has lived in the town for decades, said it was his idea to commission an artist to provide a replacement monk.
He said: “An artist called Mike Burgess from Manchester has created the new monk and the statue is ready and waiting at the moment in Sydenhams’ yard.
“It’s more than 6ft tall, and is solid oak, weighing 600kg.
“The statue cost about £2,000 – the lodge donated some money and there were some individual donations.
“The new monk – it’s an abbot – will be lifted into place on the roundabout over the Easter weekend.”
The new monk statue for Abingdon (Image: Kenny Moore)
For drivers entering the town from the A34 Marcham Interchange, the monk will once again be one of the first things they see.
The first monk statue was installed as part of an advertising campaign in 2002 and became a popular landmark for drivers heading for the A34, or arriving back in town after a break.
The wooden monk was a prominent reminder of an important element of the town’s Christian history – the large abbey which existed until Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries in 1536.
Abingdon town mayor Rawda Jehanli (Image: Abingdon town council)
Town mayor Rawda Jenhanli said she was delighted a monk statue was returning to the roundabout as it would bring the “feelgood factor” and would be a symbol of unity.
She added: “The monk has been missed – it was one of the first things I saw when I first came to Abingdon.
“I’m pleased this community group has funded the the new statue and worked so hard to make this happen.
“I will be there at the roundabout on the date they decide to unveil the new statue.”
Last year, Alastair Fear, whose popular Abingdon Blog has reached its 20th anniversary, revealed the original wooden monk’s “final resting place” to be Boxhill Walk Woods.
The rotting monk after it collapsed (Image: Alastair Fear)
The first monk statue was created for a Britain in Bloom project, commissioned by the town council and sponsored by the Abbey Press. People used to dress it up for festive occasions.
Last year it emerged that the town’s historic Abbey Buildings have won a £4m restoration grant from the National Lottery.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund grant is expected to cover a substantial part of the cost of a once-in-a-generation improvement project.
Crime & Safety
Imma the Bakery in Henley among best bakeries in Britain
Sharing the list, the publication said: “Across the country, small producers are reviving traditional techniques and turning everyday staples into something worth travelling for”.
It noted a recent rise in interest for bakeries, thanks to social media: “Pubs and alcohol consumption are on the decline, while bakery and coffee shop culture continue to soar.
“Social media is only fuelling the trend.”
A bakery in Oxfordshire, Imma the Bakery, has been highlighted as an “unexpected bakery with cheffy creations”, and it’s under a 40-minute drive from Oxford.
Why Oxfordshire bakery is among the best in Britain – what makes it so great
The bakery’s owner, Tona Erreguin, is said to bring “culinary flair and creativity” to the establishment, perhaps thanks to her past experience in running a restaurant in Mexico.
The Telegraph says: “The Van Alloys Industrial Estate on the outskirts of Henley isn’t the most glamorous destination, but this unusual location makes Imma even more of a revelation.
“Owner Tona Erreguin’s previous ventures include two philosophy PhDs and running a fine-dining restaurant in Mexico.
“Preferring the title “head chef” to “baker”, she brings culinary flair and creativity to Imma’s goods (the orange curd and meringue pastry, finished with a scalding-hot blast from an iron, is just one example of her anarchic food alchemy).
“But Imma also does the classics very well.
“Its Oxford Country Loaf, with a beautiful leafy illustration scored into its crust, was declared the best sourdough in the country at the Britain’s Best Loaf 2024 competition (Imma added three more gold medals to its haul the following year).
“Most Lycra-clad visitors swing by after a cycle ride and get their goods to go, but if you’re enjoying a slower morning, there are seats to perch on and coffee made from locally roasted beans.”
Customers say Imma the Bakery deserves the awards it gets
A customer described the bakery as deserving of the awards it has won, sharing on Google Reviews, where it has an almost-perfect 4.9 rating from 209 reviews: “Love the food, love the atmosphere, a baker’s dream to work in a place like that, I believe!
“The awards are so well deserved!”
Someone else asked the bakery to continue making the Oxford Country bread: “Best sourdough in the area, and probably in the UK.
“Excellent customer service and a perfect stop when you’re out walking the dog.
“One thing I love is that they’re constantly renewing their pastry selection changing things acording to the seasons and often using local ingredients, so there is always something new to try.
“But please, never stop making the Oxford country bread!”
Similarly, on Tripadvisor, customers have been impressed with what Imma the Bakery has to offer.
A customer shared what their experience was like around Christmas time: “Beautiful bakery set in an unusual location.
“The bread is to die for, and a perfect stop for pastries and coffee.
“Christmas was really fun with a tree decked in croissants and a general awesome Christmas spirit.
“Queues are usual but completely worth it.”
Someone else said: “So glad to have discovered this place on our doorstep.
Recommended reading:
“The bread is honestly the best I have ever tasted and there is a huge selection of sweet and savoury pastries to choose from as well as toasties for lunch.
“The coffee is good and the staff are warm and chatty.
“I love watching the baking going on in the background.”
You can find the bakery at Unit 51, Van Alloys Industrial Estate, Busgrove Lane, Stoke Row, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 5QW.
Have you bought anything from Imma the Bakery? Tell us your favourite items in the comments below.
Crime & Safety
M40 speed camera: woman fined £415 for driving at 99mph
Anissa Martins, of Crescent Road, Oxford, was caught on the motorway between junctions nine and 10, near Bicester, on September 6 last year.
According to the court record, the 50-year-old was exceeding the 70mph speed limit by driving at 99mph.
READ MORE: 20mph limits ‘not being enforced properly’ in Oxfordshire
The court record did not specify the type of vehicle she was driving at the time of the offence.
Martins pleaded guilty when she appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court this month.
She was ordered to pay costs of £120, a victim surcharge of £166 and a fine of £415.
She was also handed six penalty points.
Crime & Safety
Junior Oxfordshire football team launches kit fundraiser
Witney Vikings Youth Football Club’s under 10 side is looking to raise £450 to replace worn-out equipment.
This includes a fresh set of footballs, pop-up goals for drills and small-sided games and new training equipment.
READ MORE: Downton Abbey farm launches Easter season with Alice in Wonderland fun
A link to donate can be found here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-our-under10s-take-their-game-outside
Mathew Clark, who organised the petition, said: “Witney Vikings Warriors U10s has been working incredibly hard throughout the winter in our indoor facility.
“As the weather warms up, we are desperate to get the kids outside onto the grass to enjoy the summer season.
“To make this transition, we need a bit of help.
“Our current equipment is showing its age; we do not have goals and to give these players the best experience.”
READ MORE: Courier suspended as Deliveroo investigates ‘kitten kidnap’ during delivery
The Witney Vikings Youth Football Club is described as a “family” of 46 men and women teams and groups, 750 players and 125 volunteers.
Last year it celebrated its 50th birthday and was named ‘Club of the Year’ at the 2025 Oxfordshire Grassroots Football Awards.
Mr Clark added that he was grateful for any donation that could be provided.
He said: “Every donation, no matter how small, goes directly toward equipment that keeps these kids active, smiling, and developing their skills.
“Thank you for your support.”
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