River Thames still rising as night falls

River Thames continues to rise
The River Thames continues to rise across the floodplain opposite Abingdon, and some outposts like the Marina carpark in Abingdon are flooded.
River Thames continues to rise
There are a lot of boats moored on what is normally the bank of the River Thames, hopefully secure.
River Thames continues to rise
Near Abingdon Bridge, an Abingdon scaffolding company was helping to secure boats as night approached.
River Thames continues to rise
(Update Sunday morning. The water has risen another few inches overnight as water makes its way downsteam. People are still living on some of the boats.
River Thames continues to rise
Sunday began sunny after some overnight rain – thankfully it was less severe than forecasts were predicting.)

The River Ock is high but stabilising

River Ock high water
The River Ock is flowing higher than I have seen it for a couple of years after the recent rain.
River Ock high water
 It has covered some of the field backing onto the Ladygrove Estate in South Abingdon,
River Ock high water
The hump bridge over the River Ock at the bottom of Mill Lane is repaired and reopened but the water is too deep to walk that way to Tesco.  The environment agency said earlier at 5 am this morning “The River Ock remains high in the Stanford in the Vale and Charney Bassett areas, although water levels are currently stablising or falling in most locations along the river. No property flooding is currently expected. The weather prospects are: There is further heavy rain forecast for Saturday afternoon and Sunday will start dry with showers developing in the afternoon.”

Water usually stablilses and falls a little later in Abingdon than Charney Bassett.
River Ock high water
(Update Sunday morning. After more rain the River Ock has risen at the lower end at the junction of the River Thames. St Helen’s Mill shown in this picture was tanked (waterproofed) after previous floods. If the River Ock rises any further this will be the first real test of the tanking.)

Wind and Rain

Wind and Rain
Leaves have been gusting about on the roads in Abingdon this evening. Some blew into the porch at St Helen’s Church, where the lights were on, and the door ajar.
Wind and Rain
There has also been a lot of rain, and the new pavement beside the County Hall looks far more shiny than before.

Abingdon Passion Play Auditions

Abingdon Passion
On Saturday there was a Cake and Tombola stall to raise funds for the Abingdon Passion Play.

Auditions for musicians and singers take place on Saturday 1st December at 2pm at St Michael’s Church, and actors and dancers get their chance on Sunday 2nd December at 2PM, The official website has more information.

The big performance will be on Palm Sunday 24th March at 2pm in the Abbey Grounds. It could be huge.