Temporary Closure of Abingdon Weir Walkway – April 2025

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We are back in Abingdon after a short time away and find the Abingdon weir walkway has been temporarily closed for safety reasons following an engineering inspection.

The Environment Agency is investigating corrosion found in the steelwork supporting the pedestrian bridge. The walkway has been shut while the full extent of the damage is assessed and any necessary repairs are planned.

A temporary footpath closure notice has been issued by Oxfordshire County Council and is expected to last from 22 April 2025 until 12 May 2025. The footpath diversion is over Abingdon Bridge to Abingdon Lock.

Brighter and Better Cotman Close Playground

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The Vale of White Horse District Council got money from a UK government fund (the Shared Prosperity Fund) to make the Cotman Close playground better and brighter. Now it has swings, a rope bridge and a trampoline. There’s a butterfly sensory, tactile and fun activity area. And an area with a ramp for wheelchairs.

Children and teachers from Thameside School and people who live nearby helped choose what would be in the playground. Children worked with artists to make signs. Recycled materials were used where possible. It re-opened in the middle of the Easter holidays.

The pictures are thanks to the Vale of White Horse District Council.

Paws & Play @ Willows: Fun, Games & Community Spirit

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Thankyou to Sarah for letting me know more about the fun, games and crafts at 18 Bury Street.

Willows has a new name — Paws & Play @ Willows

If you visit say hello to Harry, the black and white pup, who supervises the gaming and craft domain upstairs, that also spills downstairs,

and to to Lewie (the co-owner’s dog) – another reason to paws.

There are board games every day, with a bigger event every third weekend of the month.

Evening events, including murder mysteries, pendulum art, and BBQs.

Most events are non-profit, raising money for four local charities: Against Cancer, Nasio, OAS, and Cats Protection.

There are crafts, which included a look-a-like Bob Ross paint day.

They will help organise this summer’s Splash of Pink Day in the Market Square (Saturday 12th July) — and will be giving it a a new name after a public vote starting this Tuesday and ending on 28th April 2025. The short list is at Renaming Splash of Pink:
* Beyond the ribbon
* Paint Abingdon pink
* Get your pink on
* Abingdon Against Breast Cancer

First Ducklings and Moorhen Chicks of the Year

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My first sighting of a duckling this year was just a single one, accompanied by two parent ducks. It’s unclear what happened to the rest of the brood. When I returned two days later, there were two parent ducks in the same location — but the duckling had disappeared.

Nearby, a pair of moorhens had built a nest not far from the cycle track. It did not look the safest location.

Returning two days later, I spotted the two moorhens again — this time with five or six chicks, tucked away among the relative safety of the reeds. They weren’t easy to see, blending into their surroundings.

P.S. I am busy on a project for a few days so probably won’t get to do the blog for a few days. But if anybody sends me a report with pictures then I could use that.