Drayton Road Crossing

The Perry Hatwell funfair began on Wednesday and carries on, near the Drayton Road Bridge, until tomorrow. Then it will do a few days at Didcot, Faringdon and then Kidlington.

There is a good Helter Skelter, and lots of rides, but the inflatable slide for toddlers had the biggest crowds.

Waiting at the crossing leading to the fair were three MGs. About fifteen vintage models had stopped over at the Market Place.

reflections on Breakfast

Reflections on the river with people enjoying an early morning snack. I'll call it Breakfast.

Morris Men's Challenge

This yearly event sees the Mayor of Abingdon's team take on the Mayor of Ock Street's team at traditional games, and a quiz, in the Brewery Tap Public House.

Councillor Lorraine Oates, the current Mayor of Abingdon, is seen here with Mr Roger Cox, the current Mayor of Ock Street (or MOck Mayor).

Lorraine's year in office ends on the May 14th, and Roger's ( The Leader of the Morris Men) on June 21st.

Plastic Bag-Free Town

Oxfam have five alternatives to plastic carrier bags. The green one is made from recycled plastic bags. Oxfam in Abingdon are no longer using plastic bags.

Local roots have canvas bags, and paper bags for their local vegetables - but no plastic.

The Carbon Cutters did a presentation to the Abingdon JEF (Joint Economic Forum) on Monday calling for a Plastic Bag-Free Town.

Flags on St George's Day

Two years ago (a young man complained ) that there were no St George Flags to be seen flying on Civic or other buildings.


This year, there is a flag on top of the County Hall museum roof, today. There is another in front of Abbey House (District Council administration), and many others.


This MGB led the way last Sunday, going up Bridge Street, with flags on top.

Exercises in the Park

Some new recruits from the Fire Service take aim at the Victorian Lake in the Abbey Park.

Nearby on the other side of the Park, St Johns Ambulance vehicles

congregated for an exercise involving the Oxford, Wantage, and Abingdon brigades.

Can I apologise that I left before the event really kicked off, but I didn't want to miss the kick off of the Liverpool v Chelsea game. I do put a lot into this blog, but at times there are other priorities.

Not a Section 106 Agreement

It was rumoured in the 'Tithe Farm and Ladygrove Estate Newsletter' that Section 106 agreement money from building the Abingdon Court nursing home would help fund an improvement to this path. But that didn't happen. The two things did not really relate.

Speed Limit Cut from today

The B4017 between Abingdon and Drayton will have a new 50 mph speed limit from today (reduced from 60 mph).

The black bag will come off the 50 mph signs, including this one at Oday Hill where a motorcyclist was killed just over four years ago.

Abingdon Spring Head 2008

The Abingdon Head of the River involves crews starting at intervals and racing against the clock. The winning crew receives the title of "Head of the River".

The race is over a 2KM course starting near Culham. When they go past the Abingdon Rowing Club - shown here - competitors are on the finishing straight.

It looked hard going.

But having completed the course, the pain seems soon forgotten.

After the race there followed a more leisurely row under Abingdon Bridge (Burford Bridge).

Crews disembark at Rye Farm Meadow.

Most people came by car, and so half the meadow serves as a car park, and the other half as a boat assembly / dis-assembly line.

The event, hosted by Abingdon Rowing Club, had its biggest ever turn out this year (I believe).