The flow of the River Thames has been strong over the last couple of weeks and all the weir gates have been open at times. The red boards are out and not many boats pass through the lock.
Only the strongest rowers from Abingdon Rowing Club venture out for river training.
Work continues round the lock, and more animals are expected in time for next season to join the wooden menagerie on lock island. One large animal is already in the garden behind the lock. It is currently in a number of pieces and will have a long neck.
On one side of the small road leading to the lock there is a sign for a planning application for parking and a hut to store canoes. Kingfisher Canoe Club and Pathfinder Youth Canoe Club need this new base as they have to leave their current site, shared with the army, in April. They have gained planning permission for the new site but still need money.
On the other side of the road, and behind the lock house a lot of clearance of brambles and nettles has been taking place. You can now see much further. The wicker fences have been extended round the lock with the help of willow from the clearance.
That land was previously ‘set aside’ but with a new farmer in place the land will be the home of another sort of animal. Wire fences have been added and strengthened around the farm to ensure the flocks of these woolly animals don’t escape.
I don’t like the wooden animals. Is it just me?
Wooden animals or not it worries me that this lot are going to set up home in such a delicate environment. A couple of years ago I lived in river view terrace in the old brewery and once aceeek this club would paddle the river Ock with no regard whatsoever, I had a massive argument with the leader who paddled straight through a moorhens nest completely destroying it and the eggs therein, they would make slides down the bank smashing down the stinging nettles and wild flowers in the process and when I told the water vole were habiting there and had young they just laughed, I have the photos to prove this too, they may be a worthwhile source of enjoyment for kids, but the instructor is a complete a*****who shows no respect for the environment around him!
Does anyone know why they have to leave the Army site, is it pulling out or closing?
this is odd. The Lease for the property is held by the army and it specifically states as follows:
4.19 The Tenant is not permitted to share occupation of the whole or any part of the premises save that during the continuance of this Lease it is permitted to share occupation with the Path Finder Canoe Club and the Kingfisher Canoe Club as mere licensees by virtue of a
written licence with each of these clubs first approved by the Landlords solicitors
Perhaps with all the Oxford colleges using the facilities starting at 06:30 they are trying to free up more space!
Is anyone in Abingdon ever happy as many of the people that post on here just seem to take this site as every opportunity to have a dig of some sort
Moony…You don’t like the wooden animals, so what the majority of people do! Get a grip with reality for gods sake
John, what you’re saying is then the Army Rowing Club (which apparently is the national rowing club, nothing at all to do with Dalton Barraks) have unlawfully evicted the canoe club? What’s more a national club, nothing to do with Abingdon, has evicted a local community group that are perfectly entitled to be there ?
I agree with Chris. I like the wooden animals, cheers me up on a Saturday when I attempt the park run.
Well no one seems to know what is going on, I don’t know how the army can evict the canoe club if the lease says they can use the facilities. Strange happenings. Perhaps Suzanne knows what’s going on.
I am happy most of the time, although I do express an opinion on this forum from time to time.
I like the idea that someone has come up with of wooden animals, they seem harmless enough, and perhaps help raise a smile.
Have a nice if a little chilly day…
If the info in post 4 from John is an actual quote from the lease then it doesn’t sound like anyone has been evicted illegally.
1) It says they are permitted to share, not that they must share.
2) Said sharing is in the form of a licence, not a lease or sub-lease so no security and limited notice to quit (assuming it was drafted correctly)
In fact, in light of CK2s experience, they may have chosen to terminate the licence because they’re upsetting the neighbours.
I am happy, but I don’t like the wooden animals. I’d rather look at the real thing. There is plenty to see if you have time and the inclination.