The A34 Noise Barrier Canvas

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The Abbey Fields housing development is much closer to the A34 than previous estates, and a long and, in places, high fence has been installed to reduce noise from the 70 mph dual carriageway.

The Town Council is currently exploring ways to use developer money to enhance the town through public art. One suggestion being looked at is improved town entry signs.

It made me wonder whether this long stretch of fencing could be used more imaginatively.

Rather than leaving it as a canvas for tags and self-promotion for graffiti artists, could it  become a space for celebrating Abingdon itself with history, landmarks, and riverside views.

The First Saturday of Spring in Abingdon

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Abingdon Town Council wished the Guild of Town Criers a very happy 25th anniversary in the Spring 2026 edition of the Town Crier magazine. The article explains how, when the role was revived 25 years ago, no single person could be found to take it on, and so a guild was formed.

There are currently ten people in the Guild and one of them was out today, announcing the Local Excellence Spring Craft Market next Saturday, 28th March.

Many people were sitting outside on the Market Place enjoying the sunshine and could hear his proclamation.

At the community shop, 25 Bury Street, there was a plant and seed swap.

Under the County Hall, volunteers were offering free bike checks.

In the Guildhall, the ATOM Science Festival was in progress, with children discovering the principles of physics using Lego. (Thanks to Chat Gpt for changing my final picture to look Lego-like.)

Which works better: the carrot or the stick?

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Movable speed indicators have been in Abingdon for nearly two years, but this is the first time I’ve seen one working so close to a long-standing speed camera. This is on Audlett Drive in Abingdon, where the limit has recently changed from 40 mph to 30 mph.

While I watched for a couple of minutes, all the cars were at or under the 30 mph limit.

Which works better: the carrot or the stick?

Sheep and Lambs instead of Turkey and Geese

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There are currently sheep and lambs in the field at Peachcroft Farm, which was previously used for free-range turkeys and geese.

Planning applications have been submitted relating to some of the buildings at Peachcroft Farm. Until recently, these were use for free-range turkey rearing, which has ceased. The wider site also includes a number of workshop and storage units, the Grade II listed Peach Croft Barn, and Wells Farm Shop and Cafe.

The barns formerly used for turkey rearing are now proposed for flexible commercial use such as storage. Poultry rearing in this area has become increasingly high-risk due to the spread of bird flu. The sheep and lambs are popular with visitors and staff.