Author Archives: Backstreeter

Developments near Dunmore Road

work in North Abingdon
Stuart let me know that work is beginning on a second field in North Abingdon. The site entrance has been started at the field between the Dunmore Road and the Oxford Road. This field is part of a larger development for 900 dwellings and 50 retirement homes, together with a local centre.
work in North Abingdon
Work has also begun on widening entrances to the Dunmore Road / Wootton Road Roundabout.
work in North Abingdon
This is being done as part of the development of 200 houses between Dunmore Road and Wootton Road.

Fine snow

cold snap
There were only food stalls at the Abingdon Monday Market.

Fine snow fell during the night and collected between the stones of the Market Place.
cold snap
It felt cold with temperatures below zero and the pavement was slippery in places.
cold snap
Temperatures remained below zero throughout the day. Snow flakes were falling a lot of the day but they fell so sparsely that each flake or granule could be seen.

The weather forecast predicts more cold days.

Tough time for retailers

business change
It must be a tough time for retailers. The Peacocks store in Abingdon is now empty. The closing down sale only got down to about 20% off, then lockdown happened and now they have cleared the store.
business change
The proprietor of Abingdon Sports retired and the premises has been showing as Under Offer for a few weeks.
business change
One shop in West St Helen Street has been empty for a year. It was a nail salon before moving to Stert Street, and will now become a different nail salon.

Sunny lunchtime walk + Volunteer drivers

Abingdon floods
There was blue sky at lunchtime in Abingdon. The Margaret Brown Gardens are still closed with barriers because of the risk of somebody falling in the fast flowing river.
Abingdon floods
The water has gone down a little and there is now some grass in front of the Cricket Clubhouse.
Abingdon floods
Further along Wilsham Road one boat has sunk.
Abingdon floods
We walked across the green grass of Caldecott Recreation Ground. 
Abingdon floods
We heard and then saw a thrush as we crossed over the River Ock. The Ock Valley Walk is also still shut with barriers.
Abingdon floods
There are lots of crocuses in the Albert Park.

I am told that Volunteer Drivers from Abingdon Volunteer Centre are using Malvin’s home number as he cannot get into their usual room to put an answerphone message on. They have three drivers but with the link to other volunteers including Covid volunteer network they are helping people.

Malvin will be helping when the Abingdon Country Market happens on 13th February and 13th March. Subject to health and safety – the markets may be outside.