IN 1992, I was chairman of the Joint Environmental Trust for Abingdon when it was suggested that the Queen Victoria statue, created to mark her Diamond Jubilee in 1887, should be moved from Abbey Gardens to the Market Place where she was until the war when the space was required for water tanks.

It would have cost about £10,000 and, as she is made of a soft stone, she could have collapsed on the way. There were also concerns about graffiti and vandalism and we considered that she was best seen where she is now.

Abingdon Town Council is now arranging an exciting programme to celebrate our current Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in June.

The Joint Environmental Trust is now run by the town council and we have funds available to mark the anniversary.

Apart from a suggestion to plant 60 trees we are asking members of the public if they have ideas for something that they would like to see commemorating the Jubilee, which is unlikely to happen again this century. It would be interesting if we could provide something of importance, with funds coming from public subscription.

The town council has a small allocation of money for grants and I would encourage clubs and societies to apply. Often if we have supported an application then other authorities will contribute.

The Joint Environmental Trust has reviewed the grant application paperwork and has money available for projects around the town.

Please see the council’s website or speak to Sandra Hill at the council for information on 01235 522642.

MONICA LOVATT (Cllr ), Chairman, Abingdon Town Council grants sub-committee