A swan glides with St Helens Wharf and Church beyond.
The water is almost on a level with the edge of Margaret Brown Gardens. Swans paddle up and down waiting.
The water is speeding along but in the sunshine it looks like a duck pond as people come to feed the swans and geese.
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.