Ladygrove ‘New’ Orchard

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Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council has obtained 30 fruit trees for planting in Ladygrove Meadow (the meadow near the Ock Bridge on Drayton Road). The planting took place yesterday, with community volunteers helping to plant and secure the trees using hessian ties and wooden stakes.

The event was organised by Abingdon Carbon Cutters, with support from the council’s Outdoor Team and Councillor Tom Greenaway.

The newly planted trees include apple, pear, cherry, hazelnut, and plum. Previously, some fruit trees had been planted nearby in what seems to be unofficial planting.

In addition to the orchard, the Town Council’s Outdoor Team has planted a new hedge around a gas relay station next to the orchard.

Thesiger-Oxford Walk

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Schools were closed for half term, and a child walked through the alley from Thesiger Road to Oxford Road in Abingdon.

There was a snake. It did not move.
There was a fox. It did not move.
There were giant footprints.

The child saw a mouse. A speech bubble over the mouse read, “There’s no such thing as a Gr——?”. The last word was too difficult to read. The child walked on.

At the end of the alley, there was something big — like a bear, but with tusks, orange eyes, and a wart.

It did not move. The child walked on.

 

Vale of White Horse Leisure Centre – Greener Buildings

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Work has begun on replacing the gas boilers at the White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre in Abingdon. The contractor has taken over the centre’s overflow car park.

The new heating will be Air Source Heat Pumps, powered by 600 new solar panels on the roof. The project is funded by the government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, Community Infrastructure Levy (developer funding), and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

There should not be much disruption to users as most of the work is outside or on the roof. Similar work will be carried out at the Wantage Leisure Centre. It is expected to be completed by March 2026, and the council estimates it will reduce overall carbon usage by over 25%.

Christ Church – Greener Buildings

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Christ Church, Northcourt, Abingdon, has received a £144,000 grant for its decarbonisation project. Work began on January 27th and is expected to be completed by the end of February.

The project includes the installation of air source heat pumps, solar panels and batteries, new insulation and lighting, suspended ceilings, and new double-glazed windows for improved energy efficiency.

During the project, approximately 40 groups and hirers have been temporarily relocated or have paused their meetings. Scaffolding has been erected, and the lounge, upper room, hall, and vestry have been inaccessible. Groups will return to warmer and more comfortable rooms. The project will also reduce the site’s carbon footprint by 25%. It also addresses the long-standing challenge of heating the hall during colder months.