A walk by the river


Walking back beside the Thames at Culham Reach we saw rowing boats ready for the next effort, Canada Geese, and fishermen. There was a cool wind and occasional showers.

The rowers came past encouraged by the cox who said ‘half way’. After that the path got muddy.

The river itself was a muddle of reflections and looked bluer than the sky.

Back in Abingdon, the bells of St Helen’s were sounding the 70th anniversary.

Abingdon Town Crier announces the New Queen’s 70th anniversary



Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II on 6th February 1952. 6th February 2022 is the 70th anniversary.

George VI had died on 6th February 1952. So the day itself is not a day of celebration.

The Coronation took place over a year later on 2nd June 1953.

To celebrate the jubilee, events will take place during the year, including the bun throwing in Abingdon in June.

Croquet in Abingdon


You might think that not a lot happens on the cricket ground on Hales Meadow during the winter months. You might be right.

But I did get an email from the Thames Valley Croquet Club saying they have been meeting in Abingdon for almost 20 years, and are open for play and looking for new members to join the Club. (picture of croquet from this blog in 2007)

They play at the Cricket Club on Hales Meadow. I saw somebody preparing the green  this afternoon. For more details contact try thamesvalleycroquetclub.co.uk.

The Seven Wonders of Abingdon


The City Daily Photo Theme for February was power but I am too late for that. It is February 3rd and entries have now closed. 

The weir is one of the seven wonders of Abingdon and could potentially generate several hundred horse power. A weir is a barrier built across a river to raise the water level on the upstream side, allowing water to flow steadily over. On the River Thames weirs are alongside locks, to let boats pass, and fish passes.

My seven wonders of Abingdon are:
* Abingdon Weir
* The County Hall
* Abingdon Bridge
* St Helen’s Church
* Long Alley Almshouse
* Abbey Buildings
* Albert Park

Here is a short video of the weir to show it deserves to be in the top seven.