Monthly Archives: March 2011

Radley Lakes

1 Reply

Radley Lakes
In May 2009 it was announced that the campaign to save Thrupp Lake had succeeded. Since then the Northmoor Trust has taken over the site. Habitats have been protected, fences built, as has a hide, and a visitor shelter shaped like a water lily. The Save Radley Lakes group has been reconstituted as Friends on Radley Lakes to support this work and protect the area.
Radley Lakes
At the Annual general Meeting of the Friends of Radley Lakes, this evening, people seemed pleased with the work of the Northmoor Trust – recently renamed The Earth Trust. A new circular walk will be be officially opened on June 17th.
Radley Lakes
The Earth Trust are seeking planning permission to replace the cottage, Sandles, with a visitor centre.  Fund raising is needed to make that happen, and the Friends will be doing their part.

Wood Carving in Abingdon

4 Replies

Wood Turning
Abingdon has a great recent tradition in wood carving thanks mostly to Brian who teaches all the other wood carvers. I last saw him with a half finished Medusa at a Didcot art event a few months back. The Medusa, made from a Yew tree bole, is now finished, and after Abingdon will be on display at the Royal Academy.
Wood Turning
Also on view at the Community Shop are the panels from the Oxfordshire 2007 (1000 years old) celebration piece. There are various pieces round the walls, and a medieval style low relief, shown above, with some nice quirky detail.

Morris Men and other players

2 Replies

Morris Players
Some Morris Men and other players were in the Kings Head and Bell, on Sunday afternoon, playing traditional songs and tunes. I recorded an Abingdon traditional tune to use with the end of month blog slide show.

There is an opportunity for a musician with Mr Hemmings Traditional Abingdon Morris Dancers. Email bagman@mrhemmings.org.uk if you are interested or ring Les on 01235 520812.

Swan watch

2 Replies

Swans Last Week
This picture from last weekend shows a couple of swans at their nest site on an island near the Abbey Grounds. The duck just stood there and did not appear to be concerned despite those big wings flapping.

Somebody was telling me today they had not seen the swans on the nest for a couple of days now and are growing concerned something may have happened.