Walking through town this morning a couple of minor things caught my eye. There were men from the Town Council putting up brackets in preparation for the Christmas Lights.

And there was a van parked nearby with a “Traffic Survey” sign in the rear window, counting the cars through Stratton Way.

Inspired by this, I did my ad-hoc, back of an envelope, survey at about 10:30. The pattern could be completely different at other times. But for what it is worth (not much) the results are on the map with vehicles counted in the 5-10 minute period.

Progress seems to have slowed down. Perhaps they are in the slough of despond.

The new Nursing Home first mentioned back in January officially opens today. The home’s Official website says it will house “64 elderly residents.” There have been people working in the office for at least a couple of weeks now.

It is run by Carebase who say “The key to our success at Abingdon Court is that everyone feels at home. We encourage you to bring your own reminders of home, such as small pieces of furniture, pictures, ornaments and other special mementos.“

Also “On arrival at Abingdon Court, we will introduce you to a key member of staff and a long-standing resident, to assist you during the ‘settling in’ period. Also, you are invited to hold a tea party. This is an opportunity to invite family and friends to see your new home – rather like a house warming.”

Presumably the long-standing resident will not be very long-standing at first. But good luck. I hope it will become a happy home to all the people living there with many long-standing residents.

Remember remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder, treason
Should ever be forgot…

Well we have not forgotten that Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the houses of parliament on 5th November 1605 and we still burn his effigy on the bonfire, and have fireworks on November 5th. Nowadays it is not just November 5th. Its generally from about October 30th until about November 7th, and the biggest bangs are on the nearest Saturday – which was lastnight. The firework, with its nose in the ground, has the Abbey Meadow Poplars as a backdrop .
And the remnants of this £89.99 box, of Chinese Deep Impact fireworks, was next to the rubbish bin at Barrow Hills Recreation Ground. Barrow Hills was still in one piece!!!
Tonight there were bonfires and plenty of fireworks whistling and banging, but they were like average meterorites after yesterdays DEEP IMPACT. This picture shows a firework exploding behind Caldecott Primary School.
In town, there was less going on than in the estates round about. In fact the brightest lights in town were M & Co.
M & Co were working late, re-arranging the layout and window displays. By morning it also had some sparkly Christmas decorations.