Where in Abingdon is This?

Once, I am told by John, who sent the pictures, all the land was taken up, but now, in many places, “only the persistent daffodils are a reminder of its former use.”

The lane leads to the West End Allotments, the other side of the A34 off the Marcham Road.

Allotments have recently become popular again. This was happening before the recession, so it is not just austerity.

Allotments are run by allotment associations on land leased from the Town Council. A few years ago the Drayton Road Allotments (also in Abingdon) were partly taken out of use, and fenced off because not enough plots were being used. Alternative uses were sought. But this year the Town Council is taking down the fences, and helping to clear the land since there is a growing waiting list there.

Finally, John Says “there’s my rough and ready half plot but with grandchildren’s help there are peas and potatoes already sewn!“

The view through a gap in the hedge at the back of Long Alley almshouses.

Today members of the Bomb Disposal Regiment, based at Vauxhall Barracks, Didcot, will be pulling a Bomb disposal truck from Abingdon to Didcot to raise money for the family of Gaz O’Donell, killed in action in Afghanistan last September. He has been awarded the George Medal twice.

Read more about him from the army website .

He is from Edinburgh.

Twenty years ago, Southern Town Park was a flat empty area with a couple of wonky swings, a series of methane outlet pipes, and the sense that you had gone beyond the end of the interesting world.

It has been transformed since then. Better playground equipment was added some years ago, and trees and bushes planted – and left to grow naturally.

Now the Vale of White Horse District Council are adding more play equipment.

The official opening of the new play equipment is planned for the 25th July – the start of the school holidays.

That does not to stop it being used before then.