The informal meetings prior to the inauguration of the Society had rejected the alternative of forming a trust specifically to purchase threatened buildings, but the Mayor suggested the aim of purchasing one site and reconditioning the building on it as … Continue reading →
Early in 1984 Mr Harry Knights proposed a mural on the concrete walls of the Stratton Way pedestrian underpass. The Friends supported this project, and Mrs Margaret Jones painted a series of figures from the history of the town. Then … Continue reading →
A talk given in 1990 by Mr Arthur Percival of the Civic Trust suggested projects which could be tackled by local amenities societies. He urged the setting up of Heritage Centres to increase awareness of the environment, both built and … Continue reading →
Abingdon School applied for planning permission to demolish the old Cottage Hospital and redevelop the site with school buildings. Although there were other issues involved, the Friends felt it proper to concentrate their attention on the street frontage of the … Continue reading →
During the 1980’s there was a serious increase in the number of incidents of damage to the archway by large vehicles. The Friends, and others, pressed repeatedly for action to prohibit over-large vehicles. As a result a height restriction was … Continue reading →
This narrow street between Victoria and Spring Roads is an interesting example of Victorian terraced housing. The Friends supported complaints by residents that serious traffic congestion had been caused by the change at No 43 from a bakery and shop … Continue reading →
The Friends deprecated various proposals for this building, which had a late 18th or early 19th century facade on a 17th century timber-framed core, and had been unused for years. They made a submission to the public enquiry in 1985 … Continue reading →
The Friends objected to the proposals to demolish buildings on the south side of Lombard Street, which were zoned as residential, in order to redevelop the site as office accommodation. In particular, the Friends supported the demands by the Archaelogical … Continue reading →
A memorial to St Edmund was proposed by Dr Emden, a Vice-President of the Society and former Principal of St Edmund Hall, Oxford. Edmund was an eminent 13th century scholar and Archbishop of Canterbury, and arguably the most distinguished son … Continue reading →
The Friends generally welcomed the proposals for the redevelopment of the Bury Street and Broad Street area (which became the shopping precinct and Charter), but expressed concern at the loss of listed buildings which this would entail. They expressed similar … Continue reading →