Residents of Culham and Sutton Courtney look likely to be successful in being allowed to generate electricity from the River Thames at Sutton Pools.

The Abingdon Hydro project did not go ahead a year ago because quotes for building the hydro came in well above the budgeted figures, and time was running to start generating electricity in time to get a preferential tariff from central government. As a result the local people who invested in the scheme got most of their money back.

Looking at the almost complete Culham / Sutton Courteney project you can see they have been allowed to put three turbines in a far more central position as part of the existing weir (Abingdon Hydro were allowed two turbines at the side).

The Culham project also has better access with a temporary road across the fields; and behind the project is a local professional company, Hallidays Hydropower, based in Dorchester-on-Thames, who have undertaken other projects since being set up in 2007.

The fish pass also looks far simpler than the one designed for the Abingdon Hydro where less room was allowed.

New Abingdon-on-Thames town entry signs have been put up in place of the previous signs saying just ‘Abingdon’.

There are some signs in new locations like the one in Margaret Brown Gardens welcoming people who approach by the River Thames.

The river just over a hundred years ago had a very jagged bank.

It was still very jagged when this picture was taken. Many Thanks to Captainkaos2 for this view showing the old changing rooms on tiger island when it was the town’s bathing place.

The banks of the River Thames either side of Abingdon Bridge now have a well defined curve and have been reinforced to keep their shape, and allow mooring.

Further upstream and downstream the banks are still allowed to erode giving them a jagged appearance.

Abingdon Marina Park can be reached by walking along South Quay. The park has waterside views back across the marina to the houses and long boats of the marina development.

The park has a large green area in the centre with trees and a circular walk round what feels like a island. When the bottom of South Quay floods it becomes an island. At other times it has a path accessible by all.

The River Thames is on the other side and a channel connects Marina and Thames.

You will see mostly dog walkers down that way. It is also used for health walks, and is a place where you can find your own space.

P.S Rewrote this piece as it did not look right on re-reading. Apology for the offence to all overs of this park.