Boats moored on the Thames

1 Reply

Boats moored on the Thames
John sent me some pictures of boats moored on the Thames by Abingdon. He says “Seen tied up today. Nobody at home but I wonder does anyone know the stories of these boats, especially the Vrouwe Johanna of Amsterdam, dated, I think, 1899!”
Boats moored on the Thames
He also sent pictures of Daisy D and two other similar traditional looking narrow boats – probably far more modern. They look compact on the outside for wending their way down narrow inland waterways and under low bridges but still afford plenty of living space inside.

Any interesting facts for John? Could Vrouwe Johanna cross the English Channel?  What are the advantages of a Dutch Barge (if it is such) v a Narrow Boat? And why do people want to live in boats anyway?

With Thanks to John for the pictures.

£4 million refurbishment of Abbey Shopping Centre / Precinct begins

26 Replies

£4 million refurbishment begins
On twitter I see from the Vale of White Horse District Council “Work has started on the much anticipated £4 million refurbishment of Abingdon’s main retail area Abbey Shopping Centre. “

There is not a lot to see yet. There is some scaffolding round the back of some shops. There are also barriers stored in one shop, and a McLaren sign in another. McLaren are the chosen contractor.

The finished project is available to view on youtube …

Matthew Barber, leader of the district council said “I would ask that residents bear with us over summer while the work is being carried out, and that they continue to visit the town centre and support our local traders in the meantime.”