Dogs take over Abbey Meadows Open Air Pool for final splash of the season

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On the final day of the season, the  Abbey Meadows Open Air Pool was opened to dogs for one last splash before closing for the summer. With dogs charging into the water, tennis balls flying and plenty of splashing, it was a lively way to round off the season.

For the dogs, it was a rare opportunity to take the plunge, as they are normally not allowed in the pool. Some needed no encouragement, launching themselves into the water with enthusiasm, while others were a little more cautious. There were plenty happy to paddle around the shallows, while others headed straight for the deeper water in pursuit of tennis balls.

It was the one day when photographs were allowed in the pool. Hopefully, these photographs show how much fun was being had by dogs and owners. One particularly enthusiastic black dog made many flying leaps into the water.

The event was very popular, with some of the one-hour sessions running from 2pm to 7pm well booked up in advance. It was a fun and memorable way to bring the outdoor pool’s season to an end.

Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers have an interesting helper at Wallingford Bunkfest

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The Wallingford BunkFest is taking place this weekend, with entertainment and activities spread throughout the town. Among those performing are the Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers, while other familiar Abingdon faces can also be seen helping out as stewards.

The BunkFest has been recognised with a King’s Award for Voluntary Service, reflecting the huge amount of effort that goes into organising the event and, keeping it free for the public.

The main stage is in the Kinecroft, surrounded by lots of stalls. Fringe events take place throughout the centre of Wallingford, with music and dance including the Morris dancers.

The Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers had an unlikely helper with them: Chalky the cockatoo. His owner, who sometimes plays the violin with the Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers, had Chalky on his shoulder.

Healthfest

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The annual Healthfest took place in Abingdon Market Place today, organised by the charity Healthy Abingdon.

Healthy Abingdon aims to bring local groups and individuals together to improve the health and wellbeing of people in Abingdon and the surrounding area. One of the ways it does this is through the annual Healthfest, which gives local organisations an opportunity to meet people and promote the activities and services they offer.

The event was officially announced by the Town Crier and ran from 10am to 2pm, with around 14 local groups and organisations setting up stalls around the Market Place.

The Mayor of Abingdon, Cllr Andrew Skinner, visited the Healthfest. He talked to Dave, a trustee of Healthy Abingdon, before making his way around the Market Place to meet the stallholders and find out more about the organisations taking part.

Among those taking part for the first time were Bridge House Care Home and the Riverley Club.

The Riverley Club includes a fitness suite aimed particularly at people over 55. It offers an opportunity to exercise in a different sort of environment – one that is less intimidating than a conventional gym, without the emphasis on people lifting weights and wearing lycra.

Bridge House also has a programme of community activities. It is holding a Beer Festival this Wednesday from 2pm to 4.30pm, with music from the Ock Street Band, dancing from the Abingdon Morris Men and a selection of beers from local brewers.

Flexicare was also at Healthfest for the first time. The charity provides support and sitting services to families who have a severely disabled child, helping to make life a little easier for the families.

Flexicare began in Abingdon 41 years ago and has since expanded its work to cover Oxford, Wantage and Grove as well as Abingdon. Naomi, who was on the stall, had been volunteering with them for 13 years.

The Friends of Abbey Meadow Outdoor Pool were also at the Healthfest, promoting the popular open-air pool.

There is now only one day of regular swimming left this season, tomorrow, Sunday. This will be followed on Monday by the doggy swimming session, when the pool gets taken over by four-legged swimmers.

Also there on the Market Place were:
* Abingdon Parkrun and Junior Parkrun
* Active Communities
* Abingdon Surgery
* local cycling groups
* Abingdon Good Neighbours
* Age UK Oxfordshire
* Healthwatch Oxfordshire
* Dementia Friendly Abingdon
* Home-Start Southern Oxfordshire
* Abingdon Scottish Country Dance Club

Bike up a tree

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There’s a bike up a tree near the library. Its has been up there for a couple of days now.

It could be that some young people have put it up there at the end of the school holidays.

But could it be an art installation nobody has told us about. The cycle of life perhaps

Or an example of extreme cycle parking.

You may know better.