This evening at Preston Road Community Centre the Ock Valley Flood Group had their annual open meeting, and there was a good turnout.

Nichola Blackwood, MP, spoke about getting a good deal from insurers for houses at risk of flooding. Ian Hudspeth, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, spoke about better joined up thinking in response to floods. Malcolm Moore presented a scheme about tree planting in the areas above Abingdon to stop water coming down all at once. More of that soon.

A man from the Environment Agency said that in the case of Abingdon a number of measures working together will reduce the risk of flooding, such as: his own men’s work, and the work of the Ock Valley Flood group (seen above) helping clear our rivers and ditches; such as better agricultural methods upstream – how fields are ploughed; and better tree planting.

Ock Valley Flood group volunteers will be back out in action in 2 weeks time. They clear rivers and ditches during the 2nd Saturday of each month.

The level of the flood water has remained high over the last 48 hours, and the blue floodgate by St Helen’s Wharf is still needed. I don’t think either river got quite as high as last month but the spread of water over the flood plain is less predictable.

Water continues to pour under Maud Hale’s Bridge, and any other opening. Tomorrow’s match at Abingdon Town F.C has been called off as the pitch is under a foot or more of water.

The causeway to Culham has water on both sides.

There is a watery view back across the fields from the causeway to Abingdon School boathouse, the Marina, and Wilsham Road.

Along Wilsham Road there is still some way to go before the boats are at the same level as the cars.

But nobody is risking their car at the Marina car park at present. Water continues to pour through the gate with some force.

(More pictures on facebook where I created a page to hold surplus pictures.)

The Ock Valley Walk was closed on Christmas Eve because of the flooding, and the Margaret Brown Garden was closed, possibly, because of the council’s fear of people falling into the River Thames.

So walks on Christmas Day and Boxing Day have been restricted. Lots of people have gone to look at the floods from places like Abingdon Bridge and the Abbey Grounds.

The environment agency said earlier today that “The River Thames continues to rise slowly in the Abingdon area. Levels are expected to be less than or similar to those seen during November 2012“.

More rain, from 5 – 10mm, is predicted by the Met Office for tomorrow (Thursday).