Back to school this week for many. Clarkes shoe shop in Abingdon was busy the weekend before last. The barbers were busy last weekend and I ended up queuing in both.
Unlike previous weeks, there were not many families in the Abbey Meadow play area this evening. A couple were eating a large packet of crisps gazing out over the weir. A man was looking down the river from the Abingdon Lock fence.
We walked on, and as we looked back the man, and the crisp eaters were still there gazing at the River Thames. I took this view of the County Hall Museum seen through the lights on Nags Head Island.
Then this one of the sky with the clouds in long furrows. We bought the Abingdon Herald from the Co-op on the way home and looked first at the two page feature of the Wallingford Bunkfest last weekend.
What a remarkable event that is – taking over the town centre for three days.
Just to let everyone know the Abingdon Horticultural Autumn Show is this Saturday. Autumn Show on Saturday 8 September at Northcourt Centre OX14 1NS. Do please join us from 14:00 until 16:00. Members free, visitors £1. Get some inspiration for the garden. Refreshments available.
Such a shame the Heritage Weekend won’t be as comprehensive as previous years, clearly they are missing the driving force ( aren’t they BACKSTREETER?) personally I’d love to see Abingdon have its own “bunkfest”
And make more of the river, perhaps our own river festival too?
Henley has its festival as well as Rewind, there’s so much this town has to offer
Horsesmouth, quite a few years ago, when I used to organise the Abingdon Firework display, I tried to organise a festival of lights on the river. (Similar to one I saw many years ago at Shillingford, i think it was?) They had boats and craft of all shapes and sizes, that had taken the time to decorate their boats with lights, and as it got dark they paraded along the river, and back again, with a commentator saying something about each boat and owner.
I printed some requests up and took them to boats along the river and lock and marina. I didn’t get one reply, unfortunately.
I still think we don’t make enough of our river asset..although there is the dragon boat racing soon and the rowing club racing. The one firework display I did do at the river was very well recieved, but unfortunately it was so much hassle with the council red tape (and only getting the go-ahead four weeks before the event date!), that I reverted back to Dalton barracks airfield for the remainder of the displays that I did.
A few others had another shot at the river festival idea a few years ago, aiming at getting the various clubs and societies on the river engaged in a river festival. I wasnt involved personally but understand they had a similar problem to that Julian describes in terms of getting people to get involved.
I agree with Steve that a river festival is a good idea, as with all these things needs a group of people with the interest, drive and support to make it happen. Thats what has allowed events like the Heritage Weekend, the ATOM festival, Yeah Baby, the cycling festival, etc to get going.
Bunkfest is really well organised. All the local pubs etc get involved. Wouldn’t it be great for Abingdon to do the same. Have bands in the Abbey Gardens, free entry, beer festival, camping in surrounding areas.