Author Archives: Backstreeter

Toilet block at Abbey Meadow re-opened

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Toilet block at Abbey Meadow
The revamped toilet block at Abingdon’s Abbey Meadow re-opened yesterday, 6th March. The Vale of White Horse District Council (VWHDC) has funded this refurbishment, which follows on from the re-opening of the rebuilt open air pool in 2018, and the redesigned play area in 2017.

The block has been completely refurbished and includes five self-contained unisex toilets and a men’s urinals. The Abingdon Lions have added a defibrillator.
Toilet block at Abbey Meadow
The block also includes a ‘Space to Change’ facility, which includes a wheelchair accessible toilet and a height adjustable adult-sized changing bench and hoist. The ‘Space to Change’ was not in the original design but after a large petition by parents and the intervention of the local MP and others it was added to the design.

Cllr Alice Badcock, Vale of White Horse District Council cabinet member for community services, said: Abbey Meadow is the most-visited park in the district and now with all the changes we have made to make it more accessible, it can be enjoyed by everyone for years to come.

Cllr Helen Pighills, Vale of White Horse district council ward member, said: These improvements are great news. The inclusion of a ‘Space to Change’ toilet is so important for ensuring more families and children with disabilities can make use of Abbey Meadow.

Thankyou to VWHDC for the press release and quotes. The work was done by Oxford Direct Services – the commercial arm of Oxford City Council. The splash pad and outdoor swimming pool at Abbey Meadow will be open for the summer from 25th May.

14th April – Three or more reasons to be in Abingdon

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I am hoping the weather on Sunday 14th April will be good. It will be a big day in Abingdon, and so a good day to visit the town for anybody needing an excuse.
3 good reasons to be in Abingdon
360 boats from across the UK will race  against the clock  on the River Thames in the annual Head of the River event organised by Abingdon Rowing Club. The majority of club members and many of their family members volunteer a huge amount of time before, during and after the event to plan, set up, supervise and clear up.
3 good reasons to be in Abingdon
The Upper Thames Patrol (the water-borne Home Guard in WW2) will be at Abingdon Lock for The Thames at War re-enactment event. There was a display at the Community Free Space last weekend.
3 good reasons to be in Abingdon
The Abingdon Cycle Festival is also on that day.

It will also be Palm Sunday.

Culham Causeway Clearance

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Culham Causeway Clearance
Walking the Causeway between Abingdon and Culham Bridge I was amazed to see how the ditch has been dug out and bushes cleared.
Culham Causeway Clearance
There is a view both sides of the Causeway now.
Culham Causeway Clearance
For years litter from passing traffic has blown into the ditch and bushes. There is now a tidemark of torn plastic round the side of the field. Other plastic has blown across the field.

New Commemorative Benches at Abingdon Guildhall + announcement of Annual Parish Meeting

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Benches
The front view of the Guildhall no longer has the silhouettes of servicemen from WWI. Instead there are two commemorative benches.
Benches
One bench shows scenes from WWII with the years 1939 – 1945 and a dove of peace.
Benches
The other bench shows scenes from WWI with the reminder Lest we forget and the years 1918 – 2018.

The annual parish meeting will be on Tuesday 12th March at 7 pm in the Roysse Room in the Guildhall. This is when the Town Council reports back on their work and achievements during the last year.

The annual parish meeting is also the opportunity for anybody living in Abingdon to ask questions of the Town Council. For more detail see the agenda at Annual Parish Meeting.