An alternative to the Boundary Walk, for people wanting a group new year’s walk, was the Christian Aid walk from which John sent pictures. The walk set out from Christ Church on Northcourt Road,
stopped for refreshments at Tall Trees in Boars Hill then returned to Christ Church by another route. Walkers could either get sponsors before the event or simply turn up and make a donation.
This morning saw the traditional New Year’s day walk round the 1556 Abingdon Borough bounds. The walk was led by Councillor Martin Smith, aided by the town crier.
Instead of the traditional green gown and nautical hat, the town crier wore a red lumberjacks jacket and top hat. His bib and bell were authentic.
Friday is our usual recycling and refuse collection day, and Thursday is the day for other parts of Abingdon. But because of the Christmas and New Year bank holidays the VWHDC website says…
| Normal collection day | Will be collected on | Which bins to put out |
| Thursday 30 December | Tuesday 4 January | Grey bin + food waste |
| Friday 31 December | Wednesday 5 January | Grey bin + food waste |
| Thursday 6 January | Monday 10 January | Green bin + food waste |
| Friday 7 January | Tuesday 11 January | Green bin + food waste |
| Thursday 13 January | Saturday 15 January | Grey bin + food waste |
| Friday 14 January | Monday 17 January | Grey bin + food waste |
| Thursday 20 January | Friday 21 January | Green bin + food waste |
| Friday 21 January | Saturday 22 January | Green bin + food waste |
…
I was struck by the view down Edward Street this new year’s eve (Green Bag is like Green Bin). For a moment I wondered whether everybody had copied each other in putting out the wrong bag on the wrong day. But then I remembered that last week there was still snow and ice about.
Edward Street must have been more dangerous or blocked than neighbouring Victoria Road and Exbourne Road. The helpline was telling enquirers that it was up to the driver’s discretion whether to collect specific streets.
The Loose Cannon brewery had a busy time leading up to Christmas.
This was my first time inside the brewery since it opened back in August.
The shop, out front, has been decked out with boughs of hops.
I wish Loose Cannon every success, and a Happy New Year. Abingdon Bridge, the regular brew, will be joined by a new IPA beer around February. You will have to hurry to get any of the Christmas Cannon.