Monthly Archives: May 2016

Medieval Graffiti

Medieval Graffiti
There were a lot of walks put on by the Friends of Abingdon yesterday. They included the Ock Valley Walk,
Medieval Graffiti
and boundary walk. It is always a surprise to go on any of these walks to find how many new things you can discover about Abingdon when shown by an expert.
Medieval Graffiti
I went on the Lost Abbey Walk which ended at the Old Abbey Buildings – now maintained by the Friends of Abingdon. Somebody has recently discovered some medieval grafitti on a chimney breast,
Medieval Graffiti
It shows what looks like a portcullis, and they think it is the symbol of a family who stayed there in the 15th Century.
Medieval Graffiti
The same chimney breast has also more recent grafitti such as this name from 1931. If anybody knows of other medieval graffiti in Abingdon I would be interested to know. It could make an interesting tour.

Bun Throwing World Championship

Bun Throwing
The Bun Throwing World Championship took place this afternoon at Abingdon Vale Cricket Club. The record set back in 2012 was 222 feet.Bun Throwing
It was going to be a tall order to beat that. It was more windy this time and the wind was often in the wrong direction
Bun Throwing
Pictured is the women’s winner from 2012, who I believe retained the title. (correct me if wrong)
Bun Throwing
There was a new winner of the men’s competition. There were a few throws over 150 feet and the best throw was 156′ 4”. The best 4 throwers will be invited to help throw buns at the bun throwing on the Queen’s 90th Birthday.
Bun Throwing
The Market Place is by my reckoning about 200 feet across. Buns are thrown from the top of the County Hall and so there should be some buns getting to the people at the back. Arrive early, stand near the front, and you have even more chance of getting a bun.
Bun Throwing
The Bun Throwing World Championship was the first time that some of us have been competitors in a real world championship event. A good time was had by all, and the proceeds from the event go to the Mayor’s Charities – it was £1 a go.

There are more pictures on the Abingdon Blog Facebook Page.

New Houses to the South of Abingdon

New Houses
The first of the new dwellings on the Morland Gardens development in South Abingdon are built and a sales office has opened. They are just off the, often congested, Drayton Road.
New Houses
In Drayton, another development called Walnut Meadow is being built on the Abingdon Road (other end of same road).
New Houses
Most of the villages around Abingdon have fought and failed to stop developments in the last 5 or 6 years since the government changed the rules. Just south of Drayton, residents of Milton Village are currently fighting 50+ new houses.

Open Air Pool Re-opens

Open Air Pool Re-opens
The Abbey Meadows Open Air pool opened for the new season this morning, and the water was a warm and enticing 29ºC. Seen here are a family, who moved to Abingdon just three weeks ago – about to enjoy their first swim. Next to them is Dr Peter Harbour of Friends of the Outdoor Pool.

The pool will be more popular with the higher temperatures. And from July 4th, swimming lessons will move to the Outdoor Pool while the White Horse Leisure Centre pool is re-furbished.
Open Air Pool Re-opens
Nearby, in the Carpark, and back for the new season, was the Coffee Cube. It is also to be seen at other places round Abingdon such as near the Stratton Way bus stops.
Open Air Pool Re-opens
Mr Whippy is also there, making everyday a Sundae.

Crazy golf, pitch and put, and tennis courts are also open, as is the play area and splash pad. This will be the last year to play crazy golf, and tennis, as the play area is to be extended.