Monthly Archives: August 2011

Thorntons in Abingdon are closing

Thorntons Abingdon
Sorry to see that Thorntons in Abingdon are closing on September 24th. Thorntons announced back in June that they would be closing half their 364 stores. So the mini exhibiton celebrating 100 years of Thorntons making chocolate is overshadowed by the announcement of closure.
Thorntons Abingdon
Their chocolates will still be available in most supermarkets, where they are now very familar, and in Oxford, but not with a personal touch – locally.

Motocross across the river

Moto X
Just over the River Thames near Radley Lakes there is the Culham Park Motocross Track, and there was racing this weekend.
Moto X
The track  loops up and down the hillside several times with a series of severe bumps on the bottom section near the river. The start is up a broader incline, allowing all the bikes to roar off together before reaching the hilltop and the first right hand turn.
Moto X
Some of the down hill sections involve spectacular jumps
Moto X

Before this race began, I saw a lots of stewards walking the track to ensure there were no obstacles on the dirt track. The bikes go at such speed – any object would be dangerous.