More rain fell today, and puddles grew again in West St Helen Street.
Some cars and vans are now using St Helen’s Wharf after threading their way through the roadworks either side of the iron bridge.
The River Thames remains high after another wet weekend, its waters still spreading across the floodplain,
and the Wilsham Road moorings.
There is a smell of diesel in places, particularly St Helens Wharf.
There are three litter bins close together in Old Station Yard, Abingdon. All three have been wrapped in blue liners and sealed with tape and carry a notice from Vale of White Horse District Council: ‘Litter Bin Not In Use. Please take your litter home with you.’
I tried looking on the VWHDC website. I did not find the reason but did find that town centre bins are emptied daily, outer town bins once a week, and others when they are around 75% full.
70% of what goes into public litter bins could be recycled. Once mixed with food waste, liquids or dog mess, they must be disposed of as general waste. The website says public litter bins are intended for general rubbish such as:
* Sandwich packaging
* Fast food packaging
* Disposable coffee cups
* Soft plastics and wrappers
* Bagged dog waste.
Finishing Touch has pink tones, blossom branches and coordinated pink outfits. There is spring in the air and something new, possibly romance.
Masons on Bath Street has a red flowing fabric backdrop, scattered with hearts and pink paper lanterns. At the centre of the theatrical scene stands a heart-patterned dress tied with a sash.
On Stert Street, Oxfam has a bridal gown and morning suit. Valentine’s Day has gone beyond romance novels to the commitment ’til death us do part’.
At Acacia UK, the scene is playful and more domestic. Red clothing and hearts are placed around a table in what is described as “The Love Nest”.
Judging by these displays, some of the shop window mannequins have lost their heads and others their hearts.
Thursday 12th February – Conversations with Markus Reyhani
7:00pm, St Ethelwold’s House
Musician and songwriter Markus Reyhani joins Duncan Bhaskaran Brown for an evening of conversation. Free entry, donations welcome.
Tuesday 17th February – ATOM Society: Space Sweepers
7:30pm, Abingdon United Football Club
A talk on the growing problem of space debris and how companies like Astroscale are developing technology to clean up Earth’s orbit.
Wednesday 18th February – An Eco-Adventure in the Andes
7:30pm, Abingdon Baptist Church
Author and adventurer Kate Rawles shares her experiences cycling 8,000 miles in the Andes and reflects on environmental threats facing the region.
Thursday 19th February – Original Music Showcase
7:30pm, The Loose Cannon Tap Room
Make Music Abingdon presents live performances from Cutwater, Scott Gordon Band and Ben Heaney.
Thursday 19th February – Malting and Brewing in Abingdon
7:45pm, The Northcourt Centre
Martin Buckland explores Abingdon’s brewing heritage in this talk for the Abingdon Area Archaeology and History Society.