Abingdon Bellringers

There was a wedding round about midday today. From up in the belltower the bellringers waited for the final anthem to begin their peal. The method, called Grandsire, is shown above.

These are just some of the bells in St Helen's Bell tower. They are quieter than they used to be - and well insulated during the recent rehanging. They are only two years old.

Down below are the bell ringers, a very commited and dedicated group. The men tend to ring the larger bells on the north side.

and the ladies the smaller bells on the south. The lady second from left has been ringing since she was a girl in 1953.

The large pendulum of St Helen's clock can be seen above them, marking time.

To learn more visit Abingdon Bellringers.

Fire Safety in the Home

A couple of days back we had the Fire Engines.

The next morning a booklet was delivered: Fire Safety in The Home, with a letter signed by the Vale Area Fire Risk Manager"As you are probably aware, a home in your area has recently suffered a fire... You and you family are twelve times more likely to survive a fire in your home if you have a correctly sited smoke alarm, have an escape plan, and know how to call the Fire Brigade...""

130 or 165 litres a day?

Just a day or so ago Thames Water were asking for higher water prices on the assumption they will need to pay for a huge new reservoir near Abingdon.

Inside a rainswept Guildhall, the Vale of the White Horse District Council have just put together a response on that reservoir.

The Council claim that Thames Water have over estimated water demand. The Council use government figures saying by 2030 people should consume 130 litres per day. Thames Water reckon on 165 litres per day. If the government figure is right then the reservoir would NOT be needed.

The political parties, inside the hall, agreed about that. Trouble is, the important people who make the decision are in Westminster in London, and most of the water is destined for London not here. So the Council also argued that such an important decision, which will become a precedent for public utilities across the land, needs to go through a public enquiry so local people can have their say.

Ladygrove Swings - gone

In the Ladygrove Play Area (near Chaunterell Way in South Abingdon) there is no longer a swing to be seen. It has all been cleared away ready for new equipment to be installed.

Just uploading the picture of the Ladygrove Play Area, when the window was lit up orange and blue. Outside, were two fire engines.

Sunset at Abingdon Marina

Looking across to North Quay from near the Public Slipway .

Looking across to West Quay, a few minutes later, from the Marina Park .

Muslim and Non-Muslim BBQ

This event took place at St Ethelwold's House.

The meat was Halaal (Halaal means permissible).

The idea for the event came out of a talk about the Muslim religion given some months back. Muslims and non-Muslims eating together and swapping e-mail addresses was seen as a good way of getting to know each other. Other events will follow.

Not Quite Cricket

Well, the Football season has already started!!!

This charity event at Abingdon Vale Cricket Club saw a swashbuckling batsman at the crease. The young lad with the football top was his runner. Different bowlers had a go bowling, and on average the batsman hit 22 runs off each over. Each run was worth £1 donation from the bowler.

Spot the Ball!