Hosting a student for a weekend

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Hosting a student for a weekend
Local families from Abingdon and surroundings got together for a tea party recently to swap stories. They all belong to HOST. a national charity which enables international students at UK universities to spend a weekend in a British home. This allows the student to get a glimpse of British life and culture (and food!) and the family to learn a little about life in another country. Students from China, Costa Rica, USA and Japan have spent a weekend in Abingdon recently.

Hosts have different reasons for volunteering – their own children may have received hospitality when studying abroad and they want to reciprocate; or they may want to introduce their young children to other people with different ways of life; or they may have a special interest in a particular country. Students apply for a HOST visit throughout the year, but December and Christmas visits are particularly wanted. If you would like to offer a student a weekend away from campus and a warm welcome into a British home contact Margaret@margarethancox.freeserve.co.uk or look on the website www.hostuk.org

2014 Oxford Preservation Trust Awards – 1-3 Ock Street

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Conservation Awards
1-3 Ock Street was recognised in the Building Conservation category at the 2014 Oxford Preservation Trust Awards. The awards panel commented on the “sensitive and sympathetic restoration … the marrying of the old and the new … the innovative use of glass, and … providing offices that cannot fail but to impress“.
Conservation Awards
The Oxford Preservation Trust Awards, now in their 37th year, recognise conservation and improvements in buildings in Oxford. That is often for Oxford University Buildings. But they do look further afield, and Abingdon Museum was also a beneficiary in 2012.

Thanks to Chris for letting me know, and for the pictures.

Who maintains the Thames Path?

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Thames Path
Craig wrote ” I notice as I walk (most days with the dog) along the south side of the Thames from the bridge to the lock that as you approach the gate at the lock there’s a 20 metre section which hasn’t been treated with any rubble/hard standing. Surely it wouldn’t be expensive. With only a small amount of rain it quickly turns to slippery mud. I think that as the winter progresses, this bit will become impassable (and a health and safety hazard?).”

Does anybody know who maintains the Thames Path so Craig can direct his request at the right agency or council or voluntary group.
Thames Path
I do know that the muddy path on the other side of the weir is the responsibility of the Vale of White Horse District Council. They are waiting for the Abingdon Hydro to be built, or the path would need remaking twice.

Firework Roundup 2014

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Firework Roundup 2014
From banners seen around town there appear to be two big firework displays in the Abingdon area – to celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605.
Firework Roundup 2014
Last night there were fireworks at Dalton Barracks. It was put on by the army for army families and the local community, with a charity collection at the gate. The fairground attractions looked excellent.
Firework Roundup 2014
The bonfire was a blazing success,
Firework Roundup 2014
and the fireworks were amazing.

The second display, put on by the 2nd Abingdon Scouts, is on Saturday 8th November at the back of Long Furlong Community Centre. Gates open at 18:30. Free parking at Tilsley Park. Advance Tickets available from Newbury Building Society, and on the day on site. Family (2 adults, max 3 children aged 3 to 16 years) Advance £12.00: After 16:00 on the day £15.00. Single Advance £4.00: After 16:00 on the day £5.00.