Start of Spring

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The Spring Equinox can be any date between 19th and 21st March. This year Spring began on the 20th March.
Science
The daffodils in front of the Abingdon-on-Thames Fire Station have been flowering for most of March. They are called the Field of Hope and were planted in 2010. The first bulbs were planted for a former Abingdon Fireman who died of cancer. The others were planted by people remembering others.
Science
The daffodils on the far bank of the River Thames from Abingdon are at their best at the moment. I don’t know why they were planted but they keep their crescent shape every year. They are quite early this year.

If the panel had $3m dollars how would they encourage more engagement in Science

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Science
At St Helen and St Katherine School this evening there was a panel discussion at the start of the ATOM Festival – The Abingdon-on-Thames Festival of Science and Technology.
Science
The question for the all female panel was ‘If you had $3m dollars how would you encourage more engagement in Science’. The speakers were: Shefali Sharma, Steph Hills (former student at St Helen and St Katherine), Dr Jess Hamer, Vicki Potter, and Dr Suze Kundu.

The speakers said how Science and Technology is very important in the modern world. And that diversity is important in a team working on science and technology. A wider range of minds help to find and solve the issues facing society.

Each speaker had a different way to spend the money. But it would be fair to say they all wanted to overcome physical access issues, and increase access to Science whatever people’s gender, ethnicity, and social background. Steph Hills said she would use the money to make all science facilities accessible. Having blown the $3m budget on that she suggested ways to encourage diversity for free.

It was recognised some people get put off doing Science. Top grades in Science and Maths at A Level is not the only way into a Science career. Apprenticeships with practical making and engineering skills can also lead people to work on important science programmes. One speaker mentioned conversion programmes to get people into Science who get interested in Science and Technology later in life.
Science
After hearing all the discussion, members of the audience voted on their top priority for the $3m. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics has the acronym STEM). Here are the results:
Science
Improved teaching came out top. Dr Jess Hamer said there is a shortage of Maths and Science teachers in the state schools. To remedy that she suggested ensuring teaching is more valued by society; it should be better paid; teachers should be allowed to teach their specialisms early on; and have more autonomy.

New stiles and signs from Stonehill Lane

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New styles and signs
There is a walk across the fields from Stonehill Lane (Oday Hill) to South Abingdon ending at Kensington Close. There is a lot of work going on around Stonehill Lane as the quarries are extended. A new access road has been built and as a result the walk across the fields has gained some new stiles to cross the access road.
New styles and signs
There are also new footpath signs so it is clearer than it used to be at the Stonehill Lane end. The footpath is not so obvious if you start from South Abingdon. One of the minor roads off Kensington Close is called Stonehill Walk. The way and leads from Abingdon to Drayton.

Clubs and Societies Day – 3 of 3 – Council Chamber

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The last room I visited was the grand Council Chamber where the large portraits of royalty and Abingdonians looked down on Clubs and Societies Day, hosted by the Mayor of Abingdon-on-Thames, Councillor Margaret Crick.
Clubs and Societies Day
Abingdon Horticulural Society have their Spring Show on Saturday the 6th of April at the Northcourt Centre from 2pm until 4pm. Members compete in classes for Spring Flowers, Baking, Photographs and  Handicrafts. There is a special section for young people to enter a range of exhibits. The Mayor of Abingdon will present the prizes to winning exhibitors at 4pm. The entrance fee for non members is £1. There will be a plant stall and refreshments will be available.
Clubs and Societies Day
The ABCD Film Society are nearing the end of their annual programme of films at the Abbey Centre off Audlett Drive. They have a special event on 28th March when the film Cold War will be introduced by Polish Historian, Hubert Zuwadzki.
Clubs and Societies Day
Assisted Reading for Children in Oxfordshire (ARCh) are on the look out for more volunteers to give additional help listening to children read. Children are specially chosen by schools, and volunteers go through a specially designed training programme.
Clubs and Societies Day
 Abingdon Music Centre help Abingdon people make music whatever their age. They run a wide variety of groups from learning instruments like guitars and recorders to being part of a choir or orchestra.
Clubs and Societies Day
 Abingdon Fitzharrys WI was formed in 1966 and continues to flourish with more than 40 members. They meet at The Northcourt Centre on the second Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm.
Clubs and Societies Day
The Abingdon Lions were recently featured on the blog for their fund raising and charity work. They were in the Council Chamber near the Gainsboroughs.