Author Archives: Backstreeter

Work on Twelve Acre Drive development has begun

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Alongside Twelve Acre Drive, trees were cut recently. There are two wide gaps.  

The cut trees line up with the access roads in what will become the next North Abingdon development. The development, near Peachcroft Farm, got outline planning permission in 2017 to include 371 residential dwellings, pavilions and sports pitches. More details were made public a year ago at https://www.bellway-northabingdon.co.uk/. That was followed by a detailed application REF=P22/V0680/RM a year ago, which, after discharging several conditions, was approved in February 2023. So work has begun.

Planning Application combining Stert Street and Queen Street properties

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Planning application P23/V0469/LB involves alterations and change of use to create a mixed development comprising a retail unit and 9 flats.

This involves 22 Stert Street, part of which is a listed building. Previously, this was used for retail on the ground floor and residential on the upper floors. The retail area, which is declining, would get a revamp as a consequence.

It also involves 20 Queen Street, previously used by a butcher on the ground floor, and a fitness studio upstairs. So this is the change of use. The undercroft used by the butcher for their vans would be parking for the shop. But the rest of the accommodation would be car-free and bike only.

River Ock – March 2023

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There have been daffodils throughout March by the Ock Valley Walk.

The first leaves appeared on the trees along the Ock Valley Walk in mid-March.

The Great spotted woodpecker can be heard by the distinctive ‘drumming’ sound high up in the trees. They often move around the tree, out of sight of observers. They will soon be also hidden by the leaves.

Moorhen stride about on the land and paddle on the water. They eat grass and water weed.

There are lots of blackbirds. This one is bathing to help keep its feathers in condition.

Wrens are another fairly common bird in the trees and bushes near the River Ock.

A couple of muntjac deer were shown in the February post; this one was closer and clearer.

Abingdon Clubs and Societies Day 2023 – 4 of 4

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The Abingdon Silver Group told me a few weeks ago that they would be at Abingdon Clubs and Societies Day. So it was good to see them.

Here is a little of their silver.

The Abingdon and District Twin Towns Society have monthly talks, trips to Abingdon’s twin towns, and other outings. This evening members went along to the Bella Napoli restaurant and then to a live relay at the Amey Theatre of Puccini’s Opera Turandot from Covent Garden. Puccini lived in Lucca, Abingdon’s twin town.

Members of the Abingdon branch of NSPCC are sometimes to be seen on the Market Place with a fundraising stall. NSPCC has been looking out for children for over 130 years.

Flexicare is a local charity that offers a sitting service for families with children with disabilities.

Ann Ford went to Buckingham Palace in her 1958 Morris Minor 1000 Convertible, one of 80 historic British-built motor vehicles, for 80 years when the Queen reached the age of 80. Ann does professional talks based on the exploits of her classic cars in Film/TV. (aandj.ford2019 @ gmail.com)

The Berkshire Family History Society helps those researching their ancestry. They have an Abingdon Branch with regular talks. (Abingdon was in Berkshire until 1974.)