I was looking back through the archives for a picture of the weir/lock keeper and found this one of him working hard at the weir in July 2007 in the aftermath of a huge deluge.
He is to retire this month. The name tag was still there last weekend but will soon be gone.
The refurbishment of Abingdon Lock is nearly complete for whoever takes over next, if there is to be a live in lock keeper.
He is a lovely chap who has been there 27 years. Always happy to chat. His one-eyed dog Millie is quite a character. Apparently he’s retiring to Kent. I wonder if any replacement will do the ice creams in the summer?
I hope the new keeper’s family will still sell ice creams in the holidays – they always add something extra to a lovely walk in the area. Happy retirement!
Roger you will be sadly missed but we wish all the best in your retirement and thank you for seeing us through he lock so safely. We are gong to miss you x