The annual January 1st Christian Aid Sponsored Walk met at St Helen’s church centre. For the first time the eight mile walk was entirely in Abingdon. It began by going round South Abingdon, and then went round part of North Abingdon.
Cliff Marshall, the co-ordinator, gave instructions and reminded people that the government would double all the sponsorship money they raised for Christian Aid.
An hour later, at 11 am, on the Market Place, participants of the Boundary Walk were photographed for the Oxford Mail / Abingdon Herald before leaving on the 4 mile walk round the 1556 Abingdon Borough boundary.
Councillor Helen Pighills, a former Mayor of Abingdon, led the walk, helped by Patrick Bird, of the Guild of Abingdon Town Criers.
Because the Ock Valley walk is still closed the Boundary Walk had to be diverted down Caldecott Road, along the route of the former canal. There they met the Christian Aid walk coming the other way.
Soon after that it rained heavily on both walks for about twenty minutes. But spirits were not dampened. Patrick Bird invited anybody listening to come and join the boundary walk, despite the rain.
Happy New Year!
Walking is an excellent way of keeping fit. On the subject of the environment despite the council’s claim that charges at council tips will not lead to an increase in fly tipping South Abingdon seems to have been targetted by fly tippers. I have seen a mattress and fridge by the side of the road in Cotman Close and it has been reported that a lorry load of builders waste has been tipped in a back access road of Cotman Close. It is easy for people to drive down Drayton and Preston Road and dump in back access roads. The Keep Britain Tidy campaign has launched a Spring Clean initiative 2 – 4 March 2018
The Great British Spring Clean is a campaign with a simple aim: to bring people across the country together to clear up the litter that blights our towns, villages, countryside and beaches. On the weekend of 2 – 4 March 2018, we want to inspire 500,000 people to get outdoors, get active and help clear up the rubbish that lies around us. Join our growing army of #LitterHeroes who have had enough of other people’s litter and are willing to do something about it.
Together we can make a difference and clean up the environment on our doorstep.
You can do your bit. If you have a vandalised street sign or graffitii in your area you can report it on the FIXMYSTREET web site. Emails are sent directly to the Counil department responsible. https://www.fixmystreet.com/