Thames Water Exhibition focuses on New Reservoir Plans

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Thames Water held two community exhibitions, one on November 10th at East Hanney War Memorial Hall and the other on November 15th at Steventon Milton Hill House, to present their plans for a new reservoir near Abingdon. These events followed the release of Thames Water’s revised draft Water Resources Management Plan in August.

The proposed reservoir was the exhibition’s primary focus. There was no mention of alternative options such as the River Severn transfer scheme, which was promoted on banners displayed around the proposed site by the Group for Action on Reservoir Development (GARD).

The proposed reservoir would have a capacity of 150 million cubic meters, an option that Thames Water had considered alongside a 100 million cubic meter capacity earlier this year. Gard have said ‘Thames Water have ignored criticisms of their draft plans and ‘doubled down’ to select an even bigger Reservoir for Abingdon‘. Thames Water say it will offer better value for money and will provide enough water to supply the Southern Water area of Hampshire.  The reservoir would take land currently used as farmland and a couple of large solar farms. A copy of the handout brochure can be found at https://camargue-thames-water-wrmp.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/sro/SESRO+Brochure+FINAL.pdf.

Representatives from Thames Water were present to answer questions. One representative indicated that the reservoir plans are being developed with the assumption that the project will proceed, but that it will still need to undergo public consultation and secure development consent in approximately 2026.

Progress on the New Development off Twelve Acre Drive

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The new development off Twelve Acre Drive in North Abingdon, near Peachcroft Farm, is progressing steadily. Some of the houses are now foundations with several layers of bricks, and the view from the entrance and visitor centre will change significantly in the near future.

The public right of way has been diverted as part of the development. It now follows fences around the perimeter of the development.

They reconnected with the original path up the higher field that is being left as farmland.

This picture shows the view of the earth movers and the existing houses of Mattock Way beyond from the bridleway along the top of the ridge, another view that will also change in the near future.

Mill Road Bridge Reopens After Decade-Long Closure

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Thanks to Stuart from the Vale of White Horse Ramblers for this picture and report.

On Friday, November 10th 2023, a gathering marked the official reopening of the Mill Road Bridge in Marcham. Over 30 individuals, including local residents, councillors, and those directly involved in the bridge’s reconstruction, were present to witness the culmination of a long-awaited restoration project. Representatives of the Vale of White Horse Ramblers Group were also in attendance, eager to resume using the bridge as an integral component of their walking program.

The bridge’s reopening signifies the restoration of Bridleway 17 between Marcham and Drayton, and improves the network of walks available for people in Abingdon. The bridge has been closed for over a decade due to structural issues, The Crown in Marcham has also recently reopened so there is even more reason to use the route.

Abingdon Remembers

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The annual Remembrance Day service and parade took place in light rain, drawing a large crowd of residents to the war memorial.

At 10:00 am, the service commenced at St. Helen’s Church, led by Rev. Dr. Charles Miller and assisted by Deacon Selina Nisbett, the Mayor’s Chaplain. Rev. Millar said the two-minute silence unites the nation like nothing else. He spoke of remembering and grief, and the Christian hope in the resurrection.

Following the service, a procession formed outside the church, led by drummer John Shaw and standard bearers. Various uniformed groups, including representatives of the armed forces, cadet forces, and local organisations, marched alongside Mayor Gwyneth Lewis and Councillors. Despite the absence of soldiers from Dalton Barracks, who were engaged in operations, there was a large procession at the war memorial.

The Abbey Brass Band were there to play music and sound the last post.

The remembrance service at the war memorial was a simple yet moving affair, featuring prayers, the exhortation, “They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old…”, and a two-minute silence.

After the silence, the rain intensified as representatives from various organizations and individuals placed wreaths on the war memorial.

The uniformed groups marched in a parade past the Mayor and Councillors at the County Hall. The parade was followed by most of the crowd, who dispersed around the town.

Others remained to reflect at the war memorial, admiring the wreaths and their messages of remembrance.

Among the wreaths, two particularly stood out – handcrafted by the Abingdon Kindergarten and the Duchess Nursey School, Abingdon. The poppies, were made from colourful hands.