In my line of work there is a computer language called Dojo. So it was interesting yesterday to go to the open day at The Dojo on Audlett Drive in Abingdon.

It was a chance to watch demonstrations of martial arts,

and have a go at them, and other forms of exercise.

When I was there they were doing JKD, the ever evolving form of marshall art popularised by Bruce Lee. I even got to learn some moves.

(I was probably twice the age of most of the adults there with about half the co-ordination. But they said everybody can learn what works for them.)

The Dojo also has a coffee serving / observing area upstairs.

Many thanks to Peter who has sent me pictures and information about the Abingdon Health Walks, also featured in today’s Abingdon Herald.

Abingdon Health Walks’ are in their 10th Year, and have just started a new walk from the Abbey Archway in the town centre. It will be every Wednesday at 12.15pm and is intended as a short gentle walk. They also have walks described as gentle, moderate, and brisk from the White Horse Leisure & Tennis Centre.

Peter says that walking is a great way to get fit and feel better. Walking with others is a good way to meet people and socialise, and new people are always welcome. For more information follow this link .

There were nearly 400 boats taking part throughout the day in this year’s Abingdon Spring Head of the River (or time trial). This is an early season event rowed upstream over 2000 M from Culham to Abingdon.

Boats came from all over England and Wales, but the vast majority came from places on the River Thames …

Oxford, Reading, Maidenhead, Wallingford, Henley, Marlow, Putney … even Abingdon.

The event is organised by Abingdon Rowing Club and so most of the Abingdon rowers are marshalling in one way or another.

Unlike the dragon boat racing, which will be on September 8th, the rowing crews dress in club kits, and have to carry their own boats.

There is some entertainment beyond the rowing: The Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers were there for a second year. There was also a beer tent to keep them happy between dances.

Because of floods, the Abingdon Parkrun, a weekly free 5km timed run, starting at Rye Farm Meadow, has been cancelled for a few weeks.

Conditions, although far from ideal, were better this week. The fastest runner today, pictured above, completed the course in 17 mins 37 secs.

The video shows the runners near the start as they approached Abingdon Lock.