Thanks to Suzanne and Rob for this report from 4 days ago.

“My husband, Rob, our cat Lolly and myself took our boat upstream to Sandford and on Wednesday collected a bottle of Thames source water that is making it’s way downstream via different river users.

There is more information about its journey at: http://totallythames.org/events/info/source-to-sea-river-relay ). Our task was to safely carry the bottle from Sandford Lock to Abingdon Lock where it would be looked after for the night before continuing it’s journey the following day without us.

At Abingdon Lock Rob, of the Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers, was met by his fellow Morris men and they danced (in the pouring rain) to entertain boaters passing through the lock, before the bottle of source water was officially handed over to (ex Morris dancer) Frank who was manning the Lock.

There are more photos (non-Morris) and also a couple of video clips of the dancing available on Suzanne’s blog:http://thegabbleratchet.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/2015-totally-thames-source-to-sea-river.html

The best thing about Clubs and Societies Day is the chance to get so many useful people in one room. The things you learn …

On my rounds I discovered that The Vale Islander 17th Century Dancers would like some more men to help balance numbers.

At the Abingdon and District Twin Towns Society we got talking to a passing native of Virginia who was interested to know where Abingdon Virginia was. It is near the Blue Ridge Highlands if that helps. It helped him

Kennington and Abingdon District Disabled Swimming (with scouts banner behind) use the pool at Radley College. I also learned that Oxford BSAC Scuba Diving Club have a Try Dive programme at Radley College, and Oxford Naturists have skinny dipping sessions at Didcot Wave.

35 Ock Street, the Church Centre, with a cafeteria and meeting rooms has open day all days but Sunday for coffee or light lunch. They also have a social group for over 50s with talks called “Back to 35.”

Then finally Hydro Power from Abingdon. Their planning got a little delayed by the flooding, and they are wondering whether those two months were exceptional, or will it become typical of water levels in future. They now think the share offer will be autumn, with construction next year.

Abingdon Drama Club, in their 70th anniversary year, were delighted to be presented with a package  of press cuttings and programmes from a predecessor, The Guild of Abbey Players – including a front page Oxford Journal Illustrated feature on Drama in Abingdon from 1917.

The Ox and Bucks Woodcarvers are also looking back to those years a century ago and are about to embark on a new carving with five tableau representing scenes from WWI. They were asking people to vote for the scenes they wanted on the tableau.

Helen Eccleston  of Abingdon Music Centre is back as director after having a baby. Another teacher is now conducting the Community Orchestra. So I guess Helen will be doing a lot, but not quite so much as before.

The Friends of Abbey Meadows Outdoor Pool know the pool is oversubscribed in hot weather and under used when the temperature plummets. They want to get better attendance when the weather is not so enticing by asking that water is kept a comfortable 22deg C, that the pool and surrounds are kept tidy, and by publicising that swimming is free to under 16s.

The Friends of Radley Lakes were recently presented with an award for their work in protecting the environment. They first fought to save the lakes and now work with the Earth Trust to manage Thrupp Lake.

Part 3 to follow.

In the Guildhall today there was the biannual Abingdon Clubs and Societies Day.

The Town Crier, Penny Clover, announced there were 57 clubs and societies taking part. One person who happened along said, “This is amazing. I didn’t know it was on.”

Somebody else said “We have so many clubs and societies because we don’t have a cinema.”

At their 14th March meeting, HLF rejected The Guildhall phase two redevelopment which included the 100 seat cinema .

The ABCD Film Society have just finished their current annual programme. They meet every Thursday at the Resource Wellbeing Centre, Audlett Drive. Members vote and post comments about the films they watch, and this year ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT was a favorite.

The Abingdon Army Cadets were there recruiting young people looking for action, excitement and adventure,

as were the Path Finders Canoe Club . Pathfinders Youth Canoe Club exists to provide kayaking and canoeing opportunities for young people from 11 to 18 years.

Abingdon Xtra were there interviewing stall holders including the Abingdon Wine Circle who meet at Preston Road Community Centre. The wine circle gives members the chance to try wines which may be too expensive, or they are not sure about, in a very social setting.

Abingdon Bowling Club, who celebrated their centenary last year, have open days, for new people to try bowling, on Friday May 16th from 5:00pm, and Saturday May 17th from 10:00am.

Part 2 tomorrow.