A SOCIETY that formed decades ago to save a set of dilapidated buildings from being demolished wants more people to use them.

Friends of Abingdon Civic Society has gradually transformed Abbey Buildings back to their former glory, hailing them as the "core of Abingdon's history".

Society chairman Bryan Brown wants more people to embrace the facilities in Thames Street, which are available for hire.

He said: "The Abbey Buildings and Abbey are at the core of Abingdon's history. We would like people to use them to reacquaint people with the history of the town and to enjoy them, and also to help generate income to maintain them. We want to celebrate these buildings."

The cluster of stone structures – a former bakehouse, the Unicorn Theatre, the Checker and the Long Gallery – were once part of Abingdon Abbey, which was dissolved in 1538 despite being the sixth wealthiest monastery in England.

A handful of the town's residents merged as the civic society in 1944 to protect the Abbey Buildings' heritage.

Mr Brown added: "A group got together and said 'we have got to save them'. Several people had ownership and over the next few years they acquired them.

"They are used but we would like more people."

He said they had exciting plans to enhance the buildings and solve practical issues like lack of heating in the winter months.

Rosemary Allan, events organiser at the society, hosted a wedding fair on Sunday and hoped more successful celebrations would follow.

She said: "We filled the whole of the Long Gallery. People came and booked weddings with us and for the first time live models were there wearing the dresses, which doesn't usually happen. It brought the whole thing to life, they were so beautiful.

"The building showcases the history of the town. It's the oldest continuously-inhabited town and has more than 300 listed buildings. The Abbey Buildings are historical and unique Grade I listed buildings."

She highlighted the buildings' heritage, adding: "They weren't part of the church but were used for visitors to stay and for the brewery and baking.

"When the Friends took over the buildings they were almost derelict, they rescued them and started bringing them into use."

The group will host the town's Clubs and Societies Day on Saturday followed by the Mayor's annual dinner, and has planned several festivals in the buildings including Abingdon Jazz Festival in June and a beer festival in December.

The Abbey Buildings are open to the public from May 1 until September 30, between 2pm and 4.30pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.