Mayor of Abingdon on Thames

This year my chosen charity is the Abingdon Music Centre.

The Centre was founded 50 years ago, providing classes for babies and pre-school children. Since then, it has expanded greatly to fulfil its charitable objective of “music for everyone”. Music has been found to improve mental health, boost brain development, aid memory and concentration and reduce social isolation. Anyone should have a chance to reap these benefits, regardless of their age or ability.

ABINGDON MUSIC CENTRE – Music for Everyone

As I write my last post for this page I would like to say that it has been one of the greatest honours of my life to serve as Mayor of this wonderful town. When I first took on the role, I knew it would be special, but I could never have fully imagined how meaningful, moving, and inspiring this year would become.

Over the past year, I have had the privilege of meeting so many incredible people across Abingdon: residents, volunteers, community groups, charities, schools, businesses, faith groups, councillors, officers, and organisations. Each of you contributes in your own way to making our town such a special place.

What I have seen again and again is kindness. I have seen people giving their time quietly, without expecting recognition. I have seen communities supporting each other through challenges. I have seen young people full of hope and ideas, and volunteers who are truly the heart and soul of Abingdon.

This year has reminded me that a town is not only its buildings, roads, or beautiful history. A town is its people, and Abingdon is blessed with truly wonderful people.

Last night at the Mayor making ceremony I handed over the robes and chains of office to my fellow Councillor, Andrew Skinner. I wish Andrew every happiness as he takes over as Mayor. I hope he enjoys his year as much as I have. Rawda

Abingdon XI v Kensington & Chelsea XI

I am absolutely delighted to share that a charity cricket match on Sunday was a great success and even better, both the OX14 colts team and the adult team won their matches! But for me, the day was about much more than the result. This event brought together the communities of Abingdon-on-Thames and the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, alongside Mayor Tom Bennett and his team, to celebrate the historic links between our two communities while supporting our Mayors’ charities. It was a lovely example of how history can continue to inspire friendship, partnership and positive community activity today.

The colts match brought together young people from across the OX14 Learning Partnership, including pupils from Radley College, St Helen & St Katharine, John Mason School, Fitzharrys School and Larkmead School. A massive thank you to John Sparks from Radley College for helping coordinate the team and making this opportunity possible for the young players.

This event was a fantastic example of what can be achieved when communities work together — sport, heritage, partnership, friendship, civic pride and support for charity all in one place.

It was also a valuable opportunity for the young people involved to take part in a civic and charitable event, gain experience, build confidence and see how sport can bring people together for a meaningful cause.

Thank you to everyone who helped organise, support, play, attend and contribute. The day truly reflected the spirit of community and partnership that I have been proud to champion during my mayoral year.

On Saturday 11th April, we were honoured to welcome Layla Moran to the Mayor’s Civic Service in Abingdon-on-Thames.

Both the Civic Service and Clubs & Societies celebrate unity, service, and the values that connect us all. It was wonderful to see such strong support from across our town.

Thank you, Layla, for your continued encouragement and for standing with our community it is truly appreciated.

On Saturday, we came together for a very special Civic Service, where we heard many voices—different perspectives, traditions, and experiences.

And yet, one message came through clearly: we are stronger when we stand together.

We reflected on faith, kindness, and compassion, and on the simple but powerful idea that every person matters. It was a beautiful reminder that community is built not just in moments like these, but in how we support one another every day.

I was truly proud to see my mayoral theme of Community and Compassion brought to life. Compassion is not just something we speak about—it is something we do, in both small acts and meaningful moments.

Thank you to everyone who took part and made the service so special.

Together, we are one community

At our recent Annual Town Meeting, we heard concerns that remind us how important it is to stand together.

When I became Mayor, I spoke about Community and Compassion — making sure everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. My own journey to the UK over the past 35 years has shown me the true power of inclusion and belonging.

Abingdon is a town enriched by its diversity. Though we may come from different backgrounds, we are united by shared values: kindness, dignity, respect, and belonging.

There is no place for racism or discrimination in our community. This is not who we are.

If you experience or witness any form of abuse whether in person or online, please report it to the police. Your voice matters, and together we can make a difference.

Let us continue to support one another and keep Abingdon a welcoming and inclusive town for all.

Let me finish with the words of the poet and cleric John Donne:
“No man is an island, entire of itself… every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.”

And from Maya Angelou:
“We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.”

I hope everyone had a peaceful and joyful Easter.

At a time when there is so much happening around the world, Easter reminds us to pause, reflect, and focus on hope, kindness, and new beginnings. It is a moment to reflect on what Easter means to each of us, and how we can carry forward positivity, compassion, and care — both in our own lives and within our community.

This Easter also brought a wonderful example of community spirit here in Abingdon. I was proud to support our local Freemasons, whose vision and dedication have brought to life the beautifully crafted Abingdon Monk at the roundabout.

This remarkable piece, carved from a single tree trunk by the talented craftsman Mike Burger, stands as a symbol of heritage, care, and pride in our town. It reflects not only creativity and generosity, but also the commitment of the Freemasons to give back and support our community.

It was a pleasure to join the gathering on Easter morning alongside distinguished guests, including the Provincial Deputy Grand Master, Mark Heppelthwaite and the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, John May CVO OBE DL, to recognise this meaningful contribution. This project is a true gift to Abingdon — a reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with purpose, generosity, and community at heart.

As Mayor, I would like to acknowledge this significant period of this year, during which Lent and Ramadan are observed.

These important seasons of reflection and spiritual discipline highlight shared values of compassion, generosity, service, and care for others. They offer a powerful reminder of the strength found in mutual respect and understanding across faiths and within our wider community.

Abingdon has a long tradition of civic and faith life working together, enriched by diverse voices and beliefs. It is this spirit of inclusion and unity that continues to reflect the true heart of our town.

I extend my best wishes to all observing Lent and Ramadan, and to all members of our community, for a peaceful and meaningful season.