Swine Flu Notice

The Abingdon Surgery has a Swine Flu Notice in the window: "Please do not attend this GP Surgery if you are experiencing flu-like symtoms..."

The new flu pandemic has not affected many of us yet, but it has been making headlines with predictions that nationally 30% of people will catch it - that would be about 10,000 people in Abingdon.

2009 Christian Aid Results

From John, and destined for the Abingdon Herald, but copied to me, so I'll do it as well... "In the past 12 months Abingdon Christian Aid have raised £12,578. This includes £8753 from Christian Aid Week in May. The Week raised funds through a stall at the Dragon boat Races, a Quiz and a house to house collection involving over a hundred volunteers from all the churches in Abingdon and Appleton..."

St Helen's Wharf Blooms

Down by the River Thames, at St Helen's Wharf, the flower containers look at their best.

There is a long line of them along the railings.

Alongside, I see that the Old Anchor Beer Festival starts today and runs until Sunday.

Paying Respects

A bunch of lilies have been laid at the foot of the war memorial.

It could be that one family are remembering one of their own, or given the recent deaths in Afghanistan, it could be a small tribute for those recently killed. Three of the eight bodies flown back yesterday were teenagers not yet 19.

Some July Blooms

Entry to town from Marcham Road.

Town Charter Bed, created in 2006, outside Tesco.

Stratton Way near the junction with Bath Street. Hardy lichen is in bloom and not just annuals.

Getting nearer the centre of Abingdon, looking towards Abbey House from the ornamental gardens.

Abingdon Registration Office

Here is where people come in Abingdon to register births, marriages, and deaths. The large circular sign has been used to identify Oxfordshire County Council services for the last year or so. Before that they had another large circular sign with more zany cartoon drawings, and before that there was a small square sign for many years. I thought it said 'Registry Office' but can see, written in large, 'Registration Office'. Nowadays, they are open by appointment only so no chance to just drop in.

Try a Watersport

The open house at the different boat clubs allowed people to try

rowing

kayaking

and sailing for free. Even the normal fence between rowing club and sailing club was down to allow free passage on this new joint venture.