As we are all now aware, the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has been formally announced. The Parish Council and the people of Dorchester on Thames are deeply saddened by the news and I am sure that many of us will want to remember and recognise the service of our longest reigning monarch.

Here in the village, a condolence book will be on the Bishop’s table at the West End of the Abbey and there will be an opportunity for private prayer and to light a candle in the Birinus chapel. Floral tributes can be laid at the foot of the Cloister Garden cross.

The Abbey will be open each day from early morning until early evening but books of condolence close at 5pm on the day after the State Funeral.

Cllr Mark Williams
Chairman, Dorchester on Thames Parish Council
9th September 2022

On behalf of the Parish Council this is a gentle reminder that the Elite Womens Cycle Tour will be passing Dorchester this Saturday at about 2 pm along the A4074 from Shillingford and then the A415 towards Abingdon. As this is the first time the race has passed so close to us its an ideal opportunity to see it locally.

Details of the estimated time the race will pass us are on the attached link:
https://www.southandvale.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Stage-6-Chipping-Norton-Oxford-ETA-v2-2.pdf

Also for motorists please note that “Rolling road closures will take place for a short period from around 15 minutes before the race arrives in each location until all the riders have passed safely through.

igns warning people to ‘expect delays’ have started to appear on the route.” For us this will mean that both main roads into the village from the Henley Road and Abingdon Road will be closed at the same time for a short period from as early as 1.45pm!

Please share this information with anyone you know who might be leaving or coming to the village around this time to avoid delays.

More information about the race is on the following link:
https://www.southandvale.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/WT_2022_AdvanceWarningLeaf_STAGE6_WEB.pdf

New trainee curator

We’re very pleased to have appointed Kay Eldridge as trainee curator, starting in early May. More news about Kay in next month’s issue of Dorchester News.

Museum opening times

We’re open until the end of September for four afternoons each week, Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday (also Bank Holidays), 2.00-5.00pm

Please come in and say hello, have a look around the Museum and our popular gift shop.

As usual, we have lots of attractive small gifts for adults and children, a range of local books, and our wide selection of greeting cards.

Among the books is A Yankee in an English Village by Edith Stedman, the founder of the Museum. Edith gives a charming and amusing account of life in Dorchester during the 1950s-1970s. Beautifully illustrated with twelve pages of photos of Edith and the village during her time here. Price £9.99. Also available from the Wallingford Bookshop or Dorchester Co-op

Become a volunteer helper

Have you thought of volunteering for the Museum? You’d be most welcome to join our friendly team. No previous knowledge or experience is needed, and you don’t have to commit to more than one or two afternoons per month over the season. Come in when the Museum’s open to see what’s involved or contact us by e mail: museum@dorchester-abbey.org.uk

Join us for an afternoon of celebrations for:

The Queens Platinum Jubilee

Everyone welcome

The Abbey Cloister Garden from midday on Sunday 5th June 2022

Bring along a picnic and something to sit on!

• Kings and Queens fancy dress competition
• Music and games
• Jubilee cupcake competition
• Bring along a rug, or a chair, and a picnic to share!