Monthly Archives: July 2015

The Northcourt Centre and “The Northcourt”

Northcourt Centre
At the Northcourt Centre, on Northcourt Road, a lot of the user groups had stalls for a big get together and fund raising afternoon. They included the Abingdon Peace Group who cannot see the reason for renewing Trident when times are hard and our money could be better spent.
Northcourt Centre
There was a colourful display put on by the Abbey Quilters (who meet monthly first Tuesday in the month during the day) and by the Fitzharry’s Quilters (who meet on 4th Tuesday of the month in the evening.) There also seemed to be 2 or 3 different W.I.s, an art group, Scottish Country Dancers, Tap and Ballet classes, the Abingdon Horticultural Society, and possibly quite a few other groups.

They were raising funds for improving the centre.
Northcourt Centre
As part of the same afternoon’s fund raising event there was an Open Garden nearby. £5 got you entry, and tea and cakes, and the chance to help the Northcourt Centre financially. The weather could not have been better.
Northcourt Centre
The bees loved the lavender.
The Northcourt
Meanwhile, close by, at “The Northcourt”, home of Abingdon United FC and Oxford United WFC, there was a game in progress.
The Northcourt
A lot of people were there to see mid table Oxford United go down fighting to top of the table Doncaster Belles.

After the recent very successful World Cup Campaign, some of the Lionesses, who gained England third pace, will be coming to The Northcourt…. Fran Kirby, or England’s “mini Messi” as she was dubbed by manager Mark Sampson, will be there when Reading visit on August 9th. More info at oxfordunitedwfc.co.uk

Exotics Opened Today

Exotics Open Today
White Horse Exotics opened this morning.
Exotics Open Today
They have many small and exotic animals in the back together with the vivariums, food, lighting, heatpads and other paraphnalia that goes with keeping small reptiles and insects.

There are also toy reptiles in the window display.
Exotics Open Today
The shop is opposite Oxfam, on Stert Street, which also has an exotic window display.
Exotics Open Today
Also of interest to lovers of the exotic east is the opening of The Oriental Food Markt on West St Helen Street.

Also, and I am not sure how exotic this will be, at the Northcourt Centre, Northcourt Road, Abingdon there is an Open Afternoon this Sunday, July 19th from 2.30 – 5 . 30 pm. Entry free! There will be demonstrations, fundraising, teas, and you can find out about the groups and clubs that use the Centre. You can also visit a local garden. ( £ 5 including tea and garden ). I will try to let you know on tomorrow’s blog.

Athletes to be left in the dark at Tilsley Park

Thanks to Roy for this …
Athletes left in the dark
I am an athlete who trains at Tilsley Park. Now I am not sure if you are aware but Abingdon School are going to change the centre of the track dramatically. The throwing area in the centre of the track is going to be replaced with a 3G rubgy pitch. This will mean track training will be impacted. Worse still, the throwers will not be able to do winter training, because they have to move the throw cage to a new location and they cannot put up lights as they would be too close to residences.

Our club has produced some incredible world class throwers at Tilsley Park in recent years.

Emma O’Hara:
Emma qualifies final Eugene
O’hara comes close to England gold medal

Ossy Muskwe who is now in Team GB:
Osman gets his GB call cards
Radley’s Muskwe lands English crown/
Muskwe breaks Radley record/
Athletes left in the dark
But sadly they will not be able to train in the winter at Tilsley any more.
Athletes left in the dark
The equipment and bulldozers are on site for work this weekend. We are puzzled as why we were not consulted beforehand. More at Radley Athletics Club.

The Last of the Shelves

The Last of the Shelves
The last of the shelves are piled in a Sims Metal Management container. Everything else has goes into the Chilton Waste container.
The Last of the Shelves
In just a few days the Bury Street store has been emptied of shelves and cabinets. The speed makes me wonder whether there is somebody already lined up willing to pay a higher rent – another supermarket.

I remember Aldi did want to open at Fairacres, but because of the Fairacres covenant were not allowed.

In their place there is a B&M who sell, among all their other household goods, a limited range of groceries – crisps, cereal, confectionery, and tins. Nothing fresh chilled or frozen.