On the final day of the season, the  Abbey Meadows Open Air Pool was opened to dogs for one last splash before closing for the summer. With dogs charging into the water, tennis balls flying and plenty of splashing, it was a lively way to round off the season.

For the dogs, it was a rare opportunity to take the plunge, as they are normally not allowed in the pool. Some needed no encouragement, launching themselves into the water with enthusiasm, while others were a little more cautious. There were plenty happy to paddle around the shallows, while others headed straight for the deeper water in pursuit of tennis balls.

It was the one day when photographs were allowed in the pool. Hopefully, these photographs show how much fun was being had by dogs and owners. One particularly enthusiastic black dog made many flying leaps into the water.

The event was very popular, with some of the one-hour sessions running from 2pm to 7pm well booked up in advance. It was a fun and memorable way to bring the outdoor pool’s season to an end.

There were some very excited dogs having a dip in the Abbey Meadows Outdoor Pool in the last swimming session of the season.

About 40 dogs enjoyed the swim between 6 and 7 pm, finishing off the 2024 outdoor pool season. There had been many fun sessions in the outdoor pool this season, from Meet the Mermaid and Hawaiian Cocktail Party to Diving training, Aqua fit, playing with floats, learning to swim, and just floating about in the sun or cloud watching.

The kiosk has also been open throughout the summer, and sells dog’s ice cream.

As the swimmers emerged, I asked Indy what he thought of the experience, and he responded with a happy woof.

Sadie, while a little more reserved, expressed her enjoyment with a wagging tail.

Thank you to Tim from Healthy Abingdon for the pictures inside the pool area.

Pygmy goats Boomer, Dingle, Tootle, and Tumble have been meeting and greeting locals and visitors on Abingdon Lock Island since the start of August. Their current fencing is made from upside-down crowd control barriers, which didn’t stop one of them from escaping yesterday for a short while.

Thankfully, the goat was quickly recaptured, and the crowdfunding campaign to buy new fencing has succeeded. With the £572 raised, the goats will soon have 15 Galvanised 6ft Interlocking Sheep Hurdles to keep them safe and secure.

The goats are a source of joy for visitors and locals alike. They are such crowd-pleasers!

Those green eyes out-stare me from between the tombstones.

The churchyard cat is often to be seen in St Helen’s Churchyard among the graves and wandering freely along the pavements and gardens beyond.

It helps itself to rats, and mice, and might honour you with a visit in return for some food.

It does not look to be the sort of cat to curl up on your lap. It is aloof and has cattitude.