Temperatures soared to about 28 degrees Celsius today, making it a warm start to September.

Earlier this week, Frank spotted the Canal Boat Diaries crew passing through Abingdon Lock. The lock was busier today. I was interested by a narrowboat, called Helios, powered entirely by the sun.

There were free cooking apples on offer at the lock. I took three and after cutting out the bad bits had the equivalent of two.

The Mill Stream swan family has expanded, and now number two adults and nine cygnets. I wonder if the five cygnets spotted without a parent last week have joined them.

Dale and Alan are walking the Thames Path, first downstream and then upstream, to raise money for the Ollie Young Foundation. Their journey began on July 9th and continues until July 27th. Ollie lost his life with an inoperable brain tumour just before his sixth birthday. The foundation aims to find a cure for this devastating illness. See https://wwo24.org/

Hatwell’s Funfairs have their rides near the river at Rye Farm Meadow. We are more used to seeing them near Drayton Road.

Another visitor asked about the Thames Path and I said, ‘Follow the funfair side of the river. Cross to the other side at Abingdon Lock and follow a Thames Path sign over a wooden bridge.’

Several walkers with backpacks were enjoying the Thames Path today. But according to Frank at the Lock, there are not as many boats as usual.

The puppet barge has returned to its usual spot along the river. The Open Air Pool is preparing to open. Grass has been cut.

Bookings for swimming sessions are available from July 20th onwards. For more information try Make a Splash.

Brian Greaves showcased his creations on the riverbank. These were crafted aboard his custom-made canal tug, the Bronte, complete with a blacksmith’s forge and tools. His creations included: fire tools, door knockers, candlesticks, and sculptures including a large treble and bass clef. His narrowboat accompanies the floating forge.

Between Brian and the Lock, a gaggle of Canada Geese enjoyed nibbling the riverside grass. The four adults had nine goslings.

At Abingdon Lock, the red warning boards have been removed, indicating safer passage for boats. Frank and fellow volunteers returned to duty today and were there ready to assist travellers.

There has been a decision on the Lock Island Goats. Unfortunately, the goats will not return to the island. Keeping animals is not considered a core EA business, and goats present too many unknown hazards that cannot be controlled.

Annie’s at the Boathouse opened in September 2017 and closed at the end of last year. The cafe will reopen again under new management and under a new name.

There has been a lot of work going on inside and out as the new team refurbishes the cafe.

The Nag’s Head has installed a defibrillator outside the pub at a cost of more than £2,000, thanks to their fundraising efforts.

The Thames Valley Croquet Club continue to play during the winter months. They are there on Monday and Friday, weather permitting. Playing times are:
Winter – 11.00 am to 2.00 pm
Summer – 1.00 pm to 5.00 pm

New members are always welcome. See https://thamesvalleycroquetclub.co.uk/.