Monthly Archives: June 2011

Lodge Hill Garage Spitfire Launch + Fly Over

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Spitfire Launch
Passing Lodge Hill on my bike at lunchtime I was surprised to see the garage showroom protected by sandbags with WWII style troops guarding a Spitfire on a stand on the forecourt.

There was also a red carpet in front of the showroom and VIPs inside.
Spitfire Launch
The press were particularly interested in these ladies with the garage owner. I think both appeared back in April on a BBC4 documentary about the Air Transport Auxiliary or ATA. During World Wat II, lassies with flying skills were not allowed to fly in combat but they became invaluable piloting all kinds of aeroplanes between factory and airfield to supply the RAF.

For a new type of plane they were just given the instruction manual and so had to be very adaptable skilled fliers. I remember from the documentary that the Spitfire was a favourite with many.
Spitfire Launch
They were the WWII uniformed glamour girls whether they liked it or not.

The model Spitfire has been put there by the garage owner to commemorate the ATA. It was front page news  in the Abingdon Herald this morning. Today’s launch  could cause even more of a splash.

—– P.S ———-
Spitfire Launch
Thanks to Ian for a picture of the Spitfire flyover that happened a little later.

alphabet backwards play crazy golf

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The intro of  the new video by local group alphabet backwards shows the crazy golf course in town. The group then go on to play Street Curling in Steventon.  Some of the band are from Abingdon,  some from Steventon, and they are now based in Oxford.
Crazy Golf
This looks to me like the hole shown in the video.
Crazy Golf

The story of a community garden – Part 1

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(Thanks to storyteller Rosemary.)
Community Gardens
Once upon a time……….

There was a strip of rough ground and concrete between Carswell Community School and Bostock Road.
Community Gardens
Then TrinityLearning worked with the school on plans to re-model the area into a sensory garden, which could be used as both an outdoor classroom and a space where the children could sit quietly and reflect. It would have winding paths, a rainbow tree seat and a light/dark tunnel to the story corner.

But to spread the load this had to be a Community Project. Da da da…
Community Gardens
A team from 3 Logistic Support Regiment at Dalton Barracks helped with clearing the area. ……..
Community Gardens
Parents, teachers and local residents worked together, laying out the design and digging over the soil…

Local businesses, including Oxford Green Roofs, Agrivert, AWBS, Richard Mathews, Merityres & Knights all helped  ………….

The next stage (once topsoil & fences have been delivered) is planting. Carswell are hoping to fill the garden with donated plants, so please put aside any excess seedlings or cuttings you may have (especially shade-loving plants – non-toxic, of course!) and pass them on to the school. Donations of seeds, unwanted garden items or cash would also be welcome – please contact Rosemary Perrow on 520282, TrinityLearning@gmail.com if you would like to help.
Community Gardens
…… and look out for the Community “Plant-in”!

to be continued …

Free Run every Saturday

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Abingdon Parkrun
On Saturday morning the first runner came through the finish of the 5 KM Abingdon Parkrun (round Rye Meadow) in 16 mins 14 seconds. It is run every week and is free to take part.
Abingdon Parkrun
The run starts at 9 am. They say “We all run for our own enjoyment. Please come along and join in whatever your pace!”

The most people they got in a week was 84 in week 2 and it has been running for 5 weeks so far. To take part just register on the parkrun website by 6pm on Friday. Might see you there.