South Avenue Numbers

There are 5 roads in Abingdon with House Numbers that go over 250:

* Radley Road – 279
* Wootton Road – 277
* Ock Street – 274
* Saxton Road – 254
* South Avenue – 253

All the other high numbering roads follow a straight line, but South Avenue is not what most people think of as an Avenue – that is a wide tree lined boulevard or driveway. It is situated off the Oxford Road.

Roadsigns with numbers have been put up to try to help visitors, and an attempt has already been made to rationalise the numbers. Originally when these houses were built from about 1946 to 1948 much of this area was called South Avenue Estate with numbers 1-160. In 1962 the estate was renamed as South Avenue and the current numbers adopted. Number 253 had been a lowly number 23.

South Avenue has never been adopted by the County Council

This sheet was seen in the Abbey Meadow Grounds. It says “Toby, escaped into the Abbey Gardens Friday Lunchtime July 21st, then carried out in a black plastic bucket. A much loved pet. He has been with us for 62 years, so we are distraught!”

Last weeks Abingdon Herald said “Two judges spent three hours in and around the town… Abingdon is in the large town section of the competition… If the town wins the regional section… it could go forward to the national competition next year.”

The bloom was different this year because of the drought. There is watering to be done, as can be seen from this Town Council truck on the bridge.

However look at the rest of the bridge and you will see that there is not the usual array of thirsty hanging baskets to welcome visitors across Abingdon Bridge.

“A new category this year is for gardeners who consider environmental principles. Agenda 21 is a Europe-wide initiative to encourage individuals and businesses to think carefully about resources.” Abingdon has taken this to heart this year.

One alternative to hanging baskets were these 450th Anniversary banners on the flagpoles fronting the market place.

But there are still flowers in abundance. Abingdon School have created this bed of bizzie lizzies in front of their old school yard at the Roysse Room. This is to commemorate their 750th anniversary.

And there are the usual display of tubs on the river side at St Helens Wharf.

At the Culham Road ground Abingdon Town (yellow) were playing at home to Abingdon United (red). Bill Reynolds was there from BBC Radio Oxford. He expected this local derby would bring in the crowds, but said with disappointment “Looks like just one man and his dog.”

Rather suprisingly Abingdon Town won 2-1. Abingdon United have just been promoted to the Southern League and Town ended last season near the bottom of the same Hellenic League Division. This game was a pre-season Charity Cup game.

Next door, Abingdon Vale Cricket Club were playing at home to Great Tew. The second cricket pitch serves as a temporary home to lots of campers from The Camping and Caravanning Club. This is an annual temporary thing during the summer holidays, and earns a few extra pennies. The football club had put up signs to encourage campers to drink at their bar, as well as having a carboot sale tomorrow (more extra pennies).

Here the Abingdon Vale team are leaving the pavillion to start fielding after the Tea break.

The caravans and camping vans in the background brought a few more spectators. It was not as warm as it has been.

At Old Trafford today, England beat Pakistan by an innings and 120 runs.