There was a preview of this work in progress, back in March, at the Clubs and Societies Open Day. The completed panel of carvings is now in on display in the library.
The panels have been carved to commemorate Abingdon’s 450th Charter Year by the local branch of the British Woodcarvers Association.

The group was set up as a result of a wood carving course led by Brian Eastoe, at Abingdon College. Panels show Abingdon subjects such as a soldier from Dalton Barracks…
…Abingdon Bridge…
…and a 1556 Penny – somewhat larger than the original.

The window of Helen and Douglas House Carity Shop is looking the part, and this morning I went to what will probably be the best carol service all year. It was the Abingdon and district primary school carol service at St Helens. All the Abingdon primary schools were there, as well as primary schools from Berinsfield, Milton, Drayton, Steventon etc. Nobody can sing carols better that 600 children.
I’ve just returned from the precinct. As you can see from the picture it is more wet than snowy, but it still could pass as an Advent Calendar.

But this is what it looks like during the day. The second ashes test match against Australia has just begun, down under, and here is the Abingdon Vale cricket pitch.

This man was fishing with his chair and wellington boots ankle deep in water.

The County Hall stilts are an architectural feature, but the normal reason for building on stilts is more practical – to keep out of reach of flooding.
Here near the Ock these sheltered flats for the elderly are built on stilts, and it looks from this morning’s flood that the stilts are a wise precaution.
Nearby is another place with houses upon stilts – just before the Ock enters the Thames. The Ock can quite easily flood near houses in town.

The Thames normally only overflows on the opposite bank on fields…
..but that is not to say the Thames will not creep up places such as this public slipway.

The owners have wisely slid down a thick plastic shutter to protect their property.

Here is Abingdon’s out-of-season outdoor pool. Those are not the normal season’s greetings.
The kiosk near the pool has also been daubed with green and blue faces. They don’t look like Santa Clause and his elves!!!

In bold it says ‘FEAR!’. It is not exactly peace and good will to all men!!!