A book called ‘The History of Radley’, produced by the Radley History Club in 2002, says “as early as the 19th century the rich seam of gravel in the area started to be excavated…. small gravel pits were dug in several places… It wasn’t until the 1940s that gravel extraction by Messrs. Amey, Tuckwell, and Curtis began on a more commercial basis., and a large section of lower Radley was given over to this end…“

“.. some of these gravel pits have been filled in over the last fifteen year with fly ash pumped underground from Didcot Power Station… Meanwhile the filling of other pits continues…” This was written before permission was sought to fill in the more established Thrupp Lake (above), and the ensuing Battle for Radley Lakes.

H Tuckwell and sons Ltd have been at Radley since 1947. They continue to work the area, and are currently seeking planning permission for a five year extension to continue working the gravel and other aggregates within their current bounds.

In another five years they will know whether they can extend their works at Radley. That will depend on where Oxfordshire County Council allow quarrying in future – something under review. Important factors in any review should be the effect on the flood plain, and how well other land in the area has been restored, and the views of the local community.

o You are here (on the map) at
Jubilee Junction
Abingdon

Jubilee Junction is the recently re-created junction between the Wilts and Berks Canal, and the Thames.

Currently the towpath is closed. The Environment Agency have concerns about the effect of the bank on flood flows, and have directed the canal trust to lower parts of the banks to 500mm above normal Thames Water Level.

Work is underway. Stones from the path has been packed away while the level is reduced.

There were two events in town tonight – for anybody braving the rain.

Boris Johnson was in the Guildhall as part of an All Conservative Any Questions panel. Tickets were only £10.00

– including finger buffet.

And there was a pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, at the Unicorn Theatre. It will be for a few days more. £6.00 adults £4.00 children.

“Fee! Fie! Foe! Fum!
I smell the blood of an Englishman.
Be he ‘live, or be he dead,
I’ll grind his bones to make my bread.”

(Picture of Boris Johnson from Blue Boris vs Red Ken)

This School in Abingdon has grounds cut across by Larkhill Stream. The stream falls into the River Ock near Ock Mill Close.

The land for the school was bought by Abingdon Borough Council in the 1930s, and developed after the war. Some digging for victory took place here during the war – to feed the hungry of Abingdon.

Over 80% of pupils now either walk or cycle to school – well above the national average.

The tables and seats in the play ground are made from recycled plastic bags.

The school has a new art studio.

Back in September the Oxford Mail reported how the school intends to sell some land, once belonging to the Pavlova leather works. The money raised could be used to develop sports facilities for the use of the school and local community.

The land is walled, and to be found on a gravel rise above the rest of the school grounds. It is not easy to access from the school, and is on a level with the cemetery next door,

and is accessed through the Pavlova housing estate.