Puppet Theatre Barge Returns to Abingdon

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The Puppet Theatre Barge, a unique 50-seat marionette theatre on a converted barge, has returned to Abingdon for the first time since 2009 (I believe). The barge is moored near the open-air swimming pool in Abbey Meadows and will be presenting performances of The Selfish Giant.

The Selfish Giant is a story by Oscar Wilde about a giant who builds a wall around his garden so that no one can play in it.

Performances will take place from July 22 to August 13, 2023. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.puppetbarge.com.

The Puppet Theatre Barge is a popular attraction for children and adults alike. The intimate setting of the barge creates a cozy and magical atmosphere for the performances.

Flood Resilience Event at Ladygrove Meadow

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Martin emailed me about the Environmental Agency (EA) flood presence on the Ladygrove meadow on Wednesday, 5th July. Martin went along as he lives nearby and suffered flooding on July 22nd 2007. The event was attended by local residents, including members of the Ock Valley Flood Group. (Thank you to them for the use of the picture.)

Martin spoke to a lady from the EA about flood warnings, as he received no warning when his back garden flooded on April 2nd 2023. There was no flood warning at that time, although there was probably a flood alert (lower).

He asked about the River Ock flood storage plan and got the expected answer that it was not economically viable. He also asked about dredging and got the answer that this has little effect, as the nature of a river is that it soon silts up again. However, there is work going on further upstream to ease matters.

He was told about the Thames Valley Flood scheme and website at https://engageenvironmentagency.uk.engagementhq.com/what-is-the-thames-valley-flood-scheme. The scheme’s primary goal is to reduce flood risk and build climate resilience, and they have 20 different approaches, some of which are relevant to the Ock Valley.

Oxfordshire County Council was also there. Their stall was more about dealing with floods and the Oxfordshire Flood Tool kit https://www.oxfordshirefloodtoolkit.com/.

The Abingdon Fire Station Open Day

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The Abingdon Fire Station Open Day was a free event on Saturday, July 15th, from 11am to 3pm. The event was open to everyone and featured various activities that were very popular with young families and children.

Visitors could see and climb into real fire engines and see other emergency vehicles.

Firefighters demonstrated a rope rescue abseil from the tower and cut off a car roof to save the person inside.

People could learn how to prevent fires and what to do if a fire starts. There was also a chance to use a fire hose on a pretend burning building.

There was also a bouncy castle and food and drink available for purchase.

Donations could be made to the Fire Fighters Charity. The money raised from the event will go to help firefighters and their families who are injured or sick, or in need.