Our Saturday Club has now started with science, gardening, storytelling, crafts, music or cooking depending on the theme of the day which will be put on facebook before each Saturday session. Come down to Abingdon Carousel between 9.30am and 12pm on any Saturday including school holidays. The only exception is on the August Bank Holiday weekend when we take a break.
April 2021
We had a great day in the sunshine on Sunday (18th April 21) holding another volunteer day for tidying up the garden and the areas around the car park. Thanks to all our lovely volunteers from Carbon Cutters and the staff from Northcourt Co-Op who worked so hard. The Mayor of Abingdon on Thames and the Mayoral Escort dug out weeds from the path and cleared a raised bed. The plant and book stalls were also a great way for us to meet neighbours and families who use the centre and we thank everyone who came and made a donation. We ended the day by recruiting a new local volunteer who will be keeping a permanent eye on our garden as well so all in all it was a very successful day.
Get a Co-Op card and then you can donate your points to Abingdon Carousel and boost the donation we will get in October from the Co-Op.
Staff from Northcourt Co-Op painted our car park fence and tidied up the car park borders as well as bringing snacks and drinks for the thirsty volunteers!
November 2020
Recent Donations and Grants
Our local branch of Newbury Building Society, based on East St Helen Street, have awarded us a grant from their Community Support Scheme. This will be such a help in replacing some of the income we have not been able to bring in this year from renting out rooms for events and meetings.
Just before we locked down (again) we heard the great news that the Masons were supporting us with a donation which is going to help us pay for extra staff training so that we can increase our ability to offer specialised support to families.
Vice Chairman, Monica Lovatt and Trustee Fundraiser, Penny Clover, received a cheque from Bro. Ken Jones, Treasurer of Sinodun Chapter No. 548 of the Ancient and Accepted Rite (an Order of Freemasonry).
The training is offered online so it will go ahead during the lockdown.
August 2020
Constant friends and supporters at BH&O have supported us again with funds to help us withstand the shock of Covid 19 and its financial implications. Like many other charities who use their premises to raise funds, Abingdon Carousel has not been able to hire out rooms as much as usual during the pandemic.
The Partners at BH&O, Emily Boardman (right), Irena Osborne (left) and Ruth Hawkins (centre), helped us to plug the financial gap with a welcome donation. Ruth, a solicitor, also serves on our Board of Trustees providing a wealth of experience of family law and safeguarding expertise. She says
“BH&O are supporting the great work that Abingdon Carousel does with families in Abingdon. We realise, especially at this difficult time, how important it is that community supports community, and that families are under greater pressure than ever. Abingdon Carousel has already established itself as a key player in this support, and we are delighted to continue to support its efforts.”
BH&O are specialist family lawyers and mediators based at 1-3 Ock Street, Abingdon, who are able to advise on all family law and children matters. They are also keen supporters of town centre initiatives such as Heritage Weekend when they open the doors of their 18th century offices to the public.
June 2019
April 2019
Saturday Playworker Post now funded
Abingdon Carousel have been awarded a grant by Sovereign Vale to fund a Saturday Playworker so that our plans for an exciting Saturday Family Club can get started. The club will offer activities on different themes each week including science, vegetable gardening, cooking, storytelling and exploring our local area. We are now recruiting for the post.
November 2018
Abingdon Carousel's Christmas Fair
The Abingdon Carousel Christmas Fair will be happening on Saturday 15th December at the centre. Come along (free entry) for crafts and gifts, games and fun, family activities and to find out more about the centre.
We are hoping that there will be a visit from a very special person in a red suit......
October 2018
Community Spirit at The Nursery Shop
We are delighted to announce that on Sunday 4th November, the Nursery Shop in Abingdon town centre will not only be open for business, but will also be donating 10% of their takings on the day to the Abingdon Carousel Family Centre.
This is one of a series of Sunday openings for The Nursery Shop during November, when they will be donating to a different designated local charity each week. It also coincides with their relocation to the Abingdon Market Square.
Community support is very important to Suzanne, the owner of The Nursery Shop: “I love Abingdon and it’s so important to me as a local business owner to encourage people to support local businesses and charities and inspire a bit of community spirit, and what better time than in the run up to Christmas?”
The Nursery Shop sells a wide range of beautiful toys and gifts for young children, including items from local suppliers.
So come along to The Nursery Shop on Sunday 4th November for a browse, check out the brand new shop and get a head start on your Christmas shopping! There will be balloons and stickers available for the little ones.
Anything you purchase on the day will go towards helping young families in Abingdon to the best possible start.
The Abingdon Carousel Family Centre provides a base from which all kinds of family services can operate, both our own and those provided by other organisations like the NHS. The centre is for the use of all Abingdon residents.
August 2018
There's an Open Day on Saturday 1st September at the Abingdon Carousel Family Centre. Please come along and bring your family to find out more about what will be on offer when we start running services from 17th September. More information on the flyer.