Wallingford, Wantage, Didcot, and Abingdon are four vibrant towns in England that actively engage their residents in a variety of community activities and events throughout the year. This update highlights recent happenings in these towns and shares future plans as described by their respective mayors: Dan Beauchamp of Wallingford, Angela Dunford of Wantage, Axel McDonald of Didcot, and Professor Gwyneth Lewis OBE of Abingdon.
Mayor Dan Beauchamp of Wallingford expressed his admiration for the strong sense of community in the town. The Wallingford Town Council has partnered with various community groups, including Wallingford 1155 and Churches Together in the Wallingford Area (CTWA), to host numerous initiatives and events. Beauchamp emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in driving community spirit and expressed optimism for the town’s plans to develop further in 2024.
In Wantage, Mayor Angela Dunford reflected on her participation in several festive events that showcased the town’s cultural and musical richness. These included The Snowman concert by the Wantage Silver Band, as well as the mayor’s carols featuring performances by local school choirs, choral groups, and another set by the Wantage Silver Band. Additional events included the Thames Valley Police Thanksgiving and Christmas Celebration, a Christmas concert at Wantage Parish Church, a festive dinner at Holy Trinity Church Charlton, and the Carols by Candlelight.
If you are a local business or organization, enhance Wantage’s community fabric by creating a free profile on our [directory](https://wantage.com/submit-listing/). For upcoming events or activities, you can submit your listings [here](https://wantage.com/submit-listing/?listing_type=clubs-groups-and-events).
Meanwhile, Didcot’s Mayor Axel McDonald shared exciting updates about local projects and holiday events. Willowbrook’s operations have been robust, while the new pavilion at Edmonds Park is nearing completion, expected to open for public hire and events in 2024. The plans for a splash park aim to boost leisure activity in the area, with McDonald envisioning the addition of food and drink stands nearby. He also highlighted successful community events at the Civic Hall, such as children’s discos, and shared his fundraising efforts to support Didcot Foodbank and the Felix Fund.
Finally, Professor Gwyneth Lewis OBE, Mayor of Abingdon, reflected on an active and historic year for the town. She celebrated events such as the centennial of the first MG production, Swan Upping, and the triumphant Party in the Park. She also highlighted the significance of hosting an Advent service at Trinity Church and leading the Remembrance Sunday service. Looking ahead to 2024, Abingdon will feature exciting events like the ATOM Science Festival, the Abingdon Passion Play, Heritage Weekend, and another Party in the Park. Additionally, the town will welcome mayors from twin towns Argentan, Lucca, Schongau, and Sint-Niklaas in April.
Stay updated on local events and activities by browsing our [community directory](https://wantage.com/directory/). Whether you’re into music, science, or cultural festivals, there’s always something engaging happening in these thriving towns.
