Monthly Archives: September 2012

Dragon Boat Racing and 2nd day of Open Days

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Dragons Open Days
This morning, The Boundary Walk followed the 1556 boundaries of Abingdon Borough.
Dragons Open Days
On the River Thames in Abingdon throughout the day, the annual Dragon Boat racing, organised by The Rotary Club of Abingdon Vesper, was happening. It was postponed from May because of the rain and the following high river water that happened back then. Today in early September conditions were excellent and large crowds came to see the racing and look round the stalls.
Dragons Open Days
Another two Heritage walks set out early afternoon. One round the Lost Abbey, the other followed the route of the lost Wilts and Berks canal and then went to see the junction of the new canal that is being recreated by the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust.
Dragons Open Days
Normally Fun in the Parks takes place during the same weekend as Heritage Open Days, but Fun in The Parks was part of the Jubilee celebrations this year.

It will be interesting to see whether the Dragon Boats decides on May or September next year. Early September weather often seems to be better than May.

New Views of Abingdon on Heritage Open Day 2012

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Open Days
The new stain glass windows in the chapel in Abingdon School were on view at Heritage Open Day for the first time.
Open Days
The Town Crier called from the roof of the County Hall for the first time to check if he could be heard.
Open Days
There seemed to be more houses open in East St Helen Street than ever, and more houses had their histories in their front window.
Open Days
60 East St Helen Street and Twickenham House opened their doors for the first time for Heritage Open Day.
Open Days
The weather was just about perfect
Open Days
It was a chance to see new views not seen before  of Abingdon.

Where will new Abingdon housing go now?

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housing on the Drayton Road
There was a good turn out to the exhibition today showing the developers plans for 170 new dwellings in a field in South Abingdon.
housing on the Drayton Road
The field in question is east of the Drayton Road (on the picture with the pointy trees in front). 
housing on the Drayton Road
The field in question (with red outline) appears on this map to be one of the few fields on the Abingdon perimeter that is neither floodplain (blue) nor greenbelt (green). Yellow is residential and purple stripes business.
housing on the Drayton Road
The plan would involve a new junction onto the Drayton Road. (thanks to Nigel for sending this mash up map)

The developers have not done the traffic studies yet but say they would look to introduce traffic mitigation measures so that Drayton Road traffic would be no worse or dangerous than it is currently.

There was a high turnout because Drayton Road is such a traffic blackspot and residents were concerned about the traffic impact .

This attempt to develop a field in South Abingdon does raise the question about where can Abingdon expand now.

In South Abingdon there will be a lot of opposition if better infrastructure is not put in place. In North Abingdon green belt land would need to be sacrificed.

Hay Raking in Barton Fields

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Hay Raking in Barton Fields
The volunteers who look after Barton Fields have a massive task at the moment, raking up hay from the wildflower meadow and other areas. Extra volunteers would be very welcome because of the extra volume of hay this year.

Tools and refreshments are provided, including filled rolls for lunch provided you let them know you are coming. They will be meeting at 9:30 am at the Barton Lane entrance opposite Sophos, on Thursday 6th & Friday 7th Sept.

Contact David Guyoncourt on 01235 529151 or email david.guyoncourt@ntlworld.com to book your packed lunch.