Saturday’s Holocaust Memorial Day

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The Monday Market came back to life after last Monday’s winds. No more missing canvas covers or missing stalls, just people doing their shopping and chatting.

But the flag above County Hall … was it missing? Half-mast maybe? As I looked, the white flag lifted a little, and at first, I thought it said “World Women’s Day.”

Ah, but no! The flag must have been put up for Saturday’s Holocaust Memorial Day.

On January 27th, the world remembers the horrors of the Holocaust. This day was established by the United Nations in 2005.

It marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, a Nazi concentration camp where millions of people were murdered during World War II.

It remembers the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, as well as the millions of other victims of Nazi persecution, including Romani people, Jehovah’s Witnesses, homosexuals, and people with disabilities. There were two Jehovah’s Witnesses with their trolley of leaflets beside the Market Place, and during the day on the Market Place, many jews, people of Romani descent, homosexuals and people with disabilities.

Twelve Acre Drive Homes Rise with flood plans

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The first houses have appeared at the new development off Twelve Acre Drive. They can seen near the sales office.

The developers plan to build a total of 371 homes in this phase, ranging from 2 to 5 bedrooms, with prices from £399,950 to £699,950 (as seen on their website). There will also be pavilions and sports pitches.

Since the development is near the Radley Park Ditch (shown in the bottom right corner of the image above), the developers have submitted a flooding model as a follow up to their planning permission.

There have been concerns about flooding downstream from the development, near the Peachcroft basketball pitch. A meeting last week of residents and local councillors were given updates on the flooding on Appleford Drive, Rainbow Way, and Chilton Close, caused by the Radley Park Ditch.

I believe the issue is water backing up from the culvert gate at that point, which needs to be kept clear. (Last 3 pictures from 5th January 2024, the morning after the overnight flooding).

20 Years of Dedication: Abingdon Volunteers Honour Judy Hashman (+ Volunteers Needed)

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Abingdon and District Volunteers recently recognised Judy, their dedicated secretary, for 20 years of outstanding service. Sue Stevens, the organisation’s longest-serving volunteer, presented the award.

Abingdon and District Volunteers provide a vital service to the community; transporting people to essential appointments like hospitals, doctors, surgeries, and day centres when using public transport or taxis is difficult.

Do you enjoy driving, helping people, and have some spare time? Abingdon and District Volunteers are seeking more volunteers to join their team. For more information, contact Malvin Drakley, email:malvin@ic24.net.

On the subject of the need for volunteers, Abingdon’s Darby & Joan Club needs YOU! This social club for retired people needs new volunteers to run the club as the current leader is standing down. They meet fortnightly at St Helen’s Church Hall and have a membership of 20-30 people. The club is due to close on 27th February without additional volunteers. The club has guest speakers, entertainment, and tea and coffee, and is a good way for members to get out and meet new people and friends. Please ring Rachel Poole at Age UK Oxfordshire on 0345 4501276 for more information.

St Ethelwold’s Garden – January 2024

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Rather than visit a nature reserve every month, as in previous years, I have decided to pay a monthly visit to St. Ethelwold’s Garden. A dedicated team of volunteers keep this garden thriving! Some are gardening experts. Others are newer. Since December, there has been a notice about Simon, one of the gardening experts, who died. There is a book of remembrance for him inside the house.

This is the view from one of the many seats in the garden and the view back to St Ethelwold’s House, which serves as a spiritual retreat and community centre, as does the garden.

Last week was cold, and there was thick ice on the water butt.

After two windy storms (Isha and Jocelyn), today was sunny and breezy.

There are not a lot of flowers in January. But some of the flower heads from last year have been left and still give a good display.

The first flower of the year was probably the Winter Aconite. They are balled up in the morning or when it is cold but open up to reveal six petals within a frill of leaves by afternoon.

Clumps of snow drops are also flowering. I also saw pink primroses and dutch irises, protected close to a wall. Hose pipes are laid about and help irrigate the garden.

A robin was on the highest spur of leaves above an evergreen, singing away.

A great tit and blue tit were on a tight rope near a peanut holder. They could be the same birds that visit our feeder in West St Helen Street. Our garden is about 80 meters from St Ethelwold’s as birds fly.