River Ock in Abingdon – August 2023

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One thing that has happened this month on the Ock Valley Walk is that some of the wood chip from some fallen and chopped up trees have been laid on the secondary path.

Other trees seem to be in a fixed half-fallen state.

I have not done as well as the Views of the Ock blog in photographing water voles. So far, I have seen no signs at all. But I did see a young moorhen today.

The parent bird was making sharp tweeting noises to keep track of its young among the reeds. The reeds are much thicker than they were a few years ago.

Where the fields were cut last month, Meadow Cranesbill are back in flower.

The blackberries are past their prime, but there are still plenty of other fruits for wildlife to enjoy. These include haws, elderberries, crab apples, and rosehips.

A discarded brolly in a dog pooh bin is a reminder that humans often try to tidy up after themselves.

Disabled music lover honoured with music festival

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The J-Fest festival in honour of a disabled woman, called Jodie, who loved music, has taken place for the third year running. There have been adverts on signs around Abingdon over recent weeks.

The festival took place at Willowbrook Farm near Steventon, Oxfordshire (not far from Abingdon). It featured music from live bands and DJs across two stages, as well as a variety of other entertainment and stalls.

Jody, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 32, had multiple disabilities but her family ensured she could live a full and rich life by taking her to music events and festivals. She became a well-known personality as she went from event to event, and her family and friends now organise J-Fest in celebration of her life.

During the day, artists and members of the public painted murals and had a go at other crafts and music activities, such as being a DJ in the DJ tent. Different therapies were also offered, including a dedicated quiet area for people who needed a break from noise and stimulation.

Some of the entertainment was provided by people with disabilities, including aerial acrobatics. There was a focus on accessibility, including a wheelchair boardwalk connecting events.

NSPCC Stall on Abingdon Market Place

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It was good to see the familiar faces at today’s NSPCC stall on the Market Place in Abingdon. We can be thankful that they are there every year raising money and the profile of NSPCC’s work to protect children.

NSPCC is a leading children’s charity that works to prevent child abuse and neglect. It gives support to children who have been abused and campaigns for better laws and policies to protect children. It provides a helpline for children and adults. On average, two children a minute contact Childline. It provides education and training on child protection.

New 20 mph speed limits being rolled out in Abingdon

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The new 20 mph and 30 mph signs have started to be put up in Abingdon. The speed limits in Abingdon will be 20 mph in residential areas and 30 mph on the ring road. Some of the main routes into town will change from 30 mph to 20 mph within residential areas. This includes Drayton Road (pictured), Marcham Road, Wootton Road, Oxford Road, Radley Road, and Audlett Drive.

The new signs are being put up gradually. The legal order will be enacted a few days before all the new signs are in place. This will allow the council to enforce the new speed limits from the start.

Speed indicator devices and other enforcement measures will ensure the new speed limits are adhered to. This will include fixed cameras, mobile cameras, and police patrols.