
Kali is approaching twelve years old, but still has a lot of energy and walks many miles each day around Abingdon and frequently visits the Albert Park in Abingdon. It is a favourite walk for many dog walkers who walk round the path or gather on the grass to let the dogs play together.

A talk is to be given about the history of Albert Park at lunchtime by Jackie Smith which will cover a great deal more than dogs.

The park is similar to the tree lined walks in the University Park in Oxford.

The houses themselves would fit in very nicely into Norham Gardens, alongside the University Park. But whereas the large Victorian houses either side of Norham Gardens have been spoilt by over-development, and in some cases rebuilt, those round the Albert Park look much as they did when built from the 1860s.

Jackie could well mention that the house above was built with a tower so that it was taller than all of the neighbours.

If you cannot make the talk, and are interested to find out more, then visit The Christ Hospital of Abingdon site where Jackie wrote about the park in 2010.
Author Archives: Backstreeter
Oxfordshire Unitary Council

Proposals to reduce the number of local councils from three levels to two look increasingly likely. Consultation information can be found on the table near the entrance of Abingdon Library for the ‘One Oxfordshire’ proposal already launched by the leaders of Oxfordshire County Council. Responses to that consultation, which can also be found at http://www.oneoxfordshire.org/, end on 28th February 2017.

The leaders of the Vale of White Horse District Council, and South Oxfordshire, have also announced today that they want to work together with Oxfordshire County Council to develop a proposal for a unitary council that represents the best deal for the people of Oxfordshire. They say they hope all the councils will be involved.
A unitary council running the joint County Council and District Council services would include the following…
County Council Services:
Child protection
Fostering and adoption
Adult social services
Educational Support
Roads and transport
Fire and Rescue service
Waste disposal
Public Health
Libraries
Trading Standards
Countryside access
Parking
District/city council services:
Housing and benfits
Parks and leisure
Local planning
Street cleaning
Waste collection
Environmental health
Concil tax collection
Electoral registration
We will have to see how the proposals develop, but Abingdon Town Council would continue to provide local services in some areas, and might gain some local services as three layers of council is reduced to two.
Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council provides:
Guildhall and Museum
Information Centre
Allotments
Cemeteries
Parks and Open Spaces
Christmas Lights
Market Place, markets and fairs
Fisheries
Abingdon in Bloom
Event Artist at Thameside Primary School

At Thameside School, off Preston Road, in Abingdon can be seen lots of colourful artwork, usually that of the students. Last time I was there, in my role as Governor, I did like the new pictures in the Head’s office. They are done by an artist friend of one of the teachers. He is an event artist and does birthday parties, weddings, concerts, ceremonies…. and on this occasion he came to Thameside to do some art, for free, of a school event.
His website and Facebook pages are at the following links: http://www.merlinporter.co.uk/ and https://www.facebook.com/MerlinPorterArts/
Extended Surgery Hours

As I understand it, from reading the Herald, doctor’s surgeries in Abingdon and surrounds have started opening at the weekend from this weekend. The Malthouse Surgery was open this morning …

as was the Abingdon Surgery for pre-booked appointments. I was also told that the Malthouse will be open tomorrow – Sunday. Surgeries will be working together, so you book through your own surgery but may get an appointment elsewhere depending on the rotation of who is open. It will also allow evening appointments to 8 pm.

The Malthouse will be taking on new GPs to cater with their extended hours, so I am not sure there will be room on the board for all 14 of them.

Both Dr Crossley, and Dr Buttar are now gone from the top of the board at the Abingdon Surgery, as younger doctors start heading up the practice.
There is also the minor injuries at the Community Hospital who are open to 10:30 pm. All this will hopefully reduce the burden on A&E at the JR.