Abingdon is rapidly becoming the book signing capital of Europe.

Last Saturday…

Inspired by the Oxford Canal, D.H. Clacher (on the right) has been writing the Muddy Waters stories and was at The Book Store on Saturday to sign copies. The books about Canal Boats are illustrated by Stephen Preedy (on the left).

Meanwhile Mostly Books had a culinary theme to the day with a number of authors. Over lunchtime pumpkin soup was available. It was a recipe from this local book – The Little Book of Soups and Stews – prepared by Alison who works at the shop – and very good too.

Coming Soon at The Book Store Terry Wogan will be signing copies of his Book ‘Where Was I?’ on Tuesday 24th November from 12:30 – 1:30.

It is thought that the Abbey Fishponds once supplied fish to Abingdon Abbey. Now, this historic wetland is an area of green in the heart of North Abingdon stretching between Radley Road and Audlett Drive…

with built up banks, reedbeds, fen and wetland meadow. The pond has recently been cleared by volunteers, previously it was invisible behind a thick curtain of reeds.

On Saturday, when I visited, the Abbey Fishponds Conservation Volunteers were clearing areas of scrub and bramble near the long path to encourage the growth of wild flowers.

They are always looking for new volunteers. Next work parties are on November 21st, and December 5th. Regular workparties are held on the first Saturday of the month with occasional extra ones arranged for a Friday or Saturday morning depending on the amount of work to be done.

Contact Marjorie White on email saveradleylakes@ntlworld.com or phone 01235 530174.

The crowds applauded as the troops, and then the veterans, and then the uniformed groups, marched by after the service round the War Memorial.

Sales of poppies have gone through the roof this year.

On Wed 25th Nov, the army will be back in numbers again when the Royal Logistic Corps, from Dalton Barracks, will exercise the Freedom of Abingdon with a Parade and Medals Ceremony from 10:30.

The Sea Scouts were celebrating 100 years and so Councillor Alison Rooke, who started the fireworks, got an eleven year old girl, whose birthday it was today, to begin the count down… 10..9..8… Before that we sang Happy Birthday to her and the Sea Scouts.

Here is the last minute of the Fireworks. Turn down the sounds if you don’t like loud bangs.

TODAY IS REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY. Two minutes silence at 11, but the service at the War Memorial starts a few minutes before that.