VWHDC gets a stay of execution – for now

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Plans to reorganise local government in Oxfordshire and West Berkshire have been put on hold while the government reviews the legal position following new legal advice.

In July, the government announced that Oxfordshire and West Berkshire would eventually be replaced by three new unitary councils, with the existing county, city and district councils disappearing. The three-council arrangement was based on a proposal submitted by Oxford City Council. Abingdon would become part of the Ridgeway Unitary Council covering VWHDC (Vale of White Horse District Council), South Oxfordshire and West Berkshire.

Oxfordshire and West Berkshire is now among 14 areas where reorganisation has been paused. In four other areas the government’s decisions have been withdrawn following legal challenges by councils.

Local Government Secretary Angela Rayner said she wanted to test whether the proposals meet the priorities of the new administration and new Prime Minister, alongside ensuring the process complies with the law.

For residents in Abingdon, the immediate effect is that the Vale of White Horse District Council will continue for a little longer.

The pause could provide an opportunity for greater scrutiny of the decision. Tim Bearder, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said it provided an opportunity to examine the ‘underpinning advice, considerations and evidence’ behind the previous Secretary of State’s decision.

Oxford City Council, which proposed the three-council arrangement, has expressed disappointment at the pause.

Bleed control kit and Defibrillator installed outside Nationwide in Abingdon

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I hadn’t noticed these two new cabinets outside Nationwide in Abingdon until today. One contains a defibrillator and the other an emergency bleed-control kit. They are part of Nationwide’s scheme to install the equipment outside all of its UK branches.

Many people will already be familiar with defibrillators. The bleed-control kit is a new thing in the town centre. It is intended for serious injuries where someone is losing a potentially fatal amount of blood. It contains equipment such as tourniquets and specialist dressings to help control the bleeding until the emergency services arrive.

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.