Monthly Archives: October 2019

Spikes and Pigeons

Anti-roosting spikes
Anti-roosting spikes have been added beneath the County Hall in Abingdon.
Anti-roosting spikes
The arcaded ground floor of the County Hall has been open to pigeons since being built in 1862, and being a building of great historical importance does need protection. Pigeons like nothing better than to defecate all over it.

River Bank Litter Pick

Litter Pick
There was a good turn out on Saturday morning with adults, children, and dogs joining together for a litter pick in the sunshine organised by the AbiBinit! Litter Picking Initiative.
Litter Pick
Colin Galloway has been keeping Abingdon litter-free longer than most and got a Mayor’s award in 2014. He is onto his third trolley which helps carry heavier litter back to the collection point.
Litter Pick
However back at Reynold’s Way where there was a litter pick last month, the litter is building again against the wall of the Reynolds Supermarket.

Peace and War – an exhibition of children’s art

Peace and War
There is an exhibition at Nicolas Church, in Abingdon, called Peace and War. On one side there are pictures done by school children in Abingdon, and nearby villages, on the theme of Peace.
Peace and War
Trinity Learning asked schools and school children to make pictures, what peace means to them?
Peace and War
Peace
People sitting quietly
Everything is awesome!
Appreciating my favourite book
Crossed legged on the carpet
everyone getting along well.
(by Oliver aged 6)
Peace and War
On the other side are pictures from children in Dafur, in a refugee camp. They were given pencils and paper and asked to draw their hopes and fears.
Peace and War
A lot of the pictures show the conflict they had known.

This exhibition is on until Saturday.

Abingdon Marathon 2019 – 2 world records broken (awaiting verification)

Abingdon Marathon 2019
The 37th Abingdon Marathon started at 9 am on Sunday October 20th 2019. The day was fresh and dry.
Abingdon Marathon 2019
Among the 1150+ entries there was one well known Abingdon runner going for a Santa marathon running record, and another runner going for the pyjamas marathon record.
Abingdon Marathon 2019
The race started and finished at the Tilsley Park Athletics Track and followed much the same course as previous years, starting along Dunmore Road, going via Radley Lakes then through Abingdon Market Place.
Abingdon Marathon 2019
There were lots of people cheering the runners along the route. East St Helen Street did Abingdon proud.
Abingdon Marathon 2019
Some runners came from Abingdon. Others came from further afield.
Abingdon Marathon 2019
There were about twenty from Egdon Heath Harriers in Dorset.
Abingdon Marathon 2019
Abingdon, and the River Thames, provide an interesting backdrop for the race. One of the new sponsors this year is Abingdon’s latest hotel, The Garden Hilton – they offered a 10% discount on their best rate for runners, family and friends

After Abingdon town centre the route went out on a two lap route passing through the villages of Drayton, Milton, and Sutton Courtenay before returning back.

Time passes and we return to Tilsley Park …
Abingdon Marathon 2019
The winner was Jonathon Pool from the Serpentine Club in London.
Abingdon Marathon 2019
The second place runner was Sean Edwards of the Lytchett Manor Striders, in Dorset.
Abingdon Marathon 2019
Santa Claus, of Abingdon Athletics Club, finished in 2 hours 49. I have googled and the fastest Santa Claus marathon was 2 hr 54 min. We will have to wait and see but that could be a new world record.
Abingdon Marathon 2019
There was a great welcome back to the Tilsley Park stadium for the runners, particularly when they had family and friends.
Abingdon Marathon 2019
The first lady home was Emma Navesey, of Hayward Heath Harriers, in 2 hours 57. Hayward Heath is in Sussex.

Every year Sussex Sports Photography take pictures round the course of all the runners. Last year they published over 31,000 photographs of the event.
Abingdon Marathon 2019
Richard Baskerville finished in 2 hours 57 and may have broken the pyjama marathon record. He was running to raise money for the mental health charity Jonathon’s Voice.
Abingdon Marathon 2019
Marshalls did a fantastic job both directing and cheering people on.
Abingdon Marathon 2019
Lots of Abingdon Groups and individuals were helping as marshalls including the Lions (featured yesterday). The underpass is the steepest incline, and the marshall at the top was playing maracas to encourage people up.
Abingdon Marathon 2019
The original Abingdon Marathon is painted on the wall of the underpass. Every year the runners pass their forebears. Sophie, number 910, finished in 3 hours 34.

There were 788 finishers and the last one clocked in at 5 hours 22. An amazing effort to all involved!