
Walking is simple, free and one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight and become healthier. It can also help you get to know more of Abingdon. Healthy Abingdon have started putting together some interesting walks around the town. The idea behind the walks are the exercise walks people have been taking since the Coronavirus crisis started. Currently there are five available at http://www.healthyabingdon.org.uk/walks.htm and they are are asking people to create more.
Tree branch falls in Bath Street

Ben sent me a picture of a branch that fell off a tree in Bath Street. He says, ” It fell blocking the entrance to the footpath into the Fitzharrys estate. It is NOT the entire tree, whatever the Oxford Mail might say. No one was hurt, fortunately.”
When I went to investigate the branch had been removed, and the Horse Chestnut tree from which it came was still standing.

A lady saw me taking pictures and asked if I was from the Council, because branches did drop off the tall trees. She pointed out this Lime Tree.

She also mentioned some tall redwoods near houses, that she said were leaning. I said I was not from the council, but I could report her worries on my blog.
These mature trees are left from the Fitzharrys House grounds. The house was demolished in 1953 and the current ‘modern’ houses added.
Local Excellence Market on the Market Place – Covid-19 restrictions are increased

There was a Local Excellence Market on the Market Place in Abingdon today. Waterfahl were busking in the sun.

The Market had a lot of stalls, and people were looking around, many with face coverings.
A lot of new rules have been introduced this week as the transmission rate of Coronavirus rises. Since June there has been an easing of the COVID-19 restrictions and this week saw them being tightened up again as we head into autumn.

Anybody going into Pablos Lounge will have to wear a mask from door to table, and try to order from the table using a phone app, and check in with test and trace.
Shop staff and serving staff are now all wearing face coverings – not just customers.

A NHS COVID-19 app has been released and you can now scan a QR code when going into The Narrows, and many other places, as a record for test and trace.

In pubs there is now only table service with groups of only up to six allowed. Pubs all close at 10 pm.
As schools returned, two classes at John Mason were sent home because of a confirmed case of Covid-19 in their bubble. (A bubble is usually one or two classes or however the school organise bubbles. Pupils do not mix inside school outside their bubble.)
Going back to school has seen the normal autumn coughs and sneezes and they are having a much bigger effect on attendance this year. Students are taking time off to get tested or wait for a family member to be tested. (My understanding is that new coughs, high temperatures, loss of smell and taste are possible symptoms of Covid-19. Sneezes and runny noses are not – yet.)
Yesterday, there were some people on the Market Place in Abingdon asking people to sign a petition against any new lockdown.
New and Replacement Bike Racks

Over the last couple of months new cycle racks have been put in Abingdon town centre. One set are at one end of Broad Street by the new flower containers

The other matching set is opposite the Black Swan beneath the Great Western Railway train times.

The bike racks on High Street were also recently replaced . These used to be the most well used bike racks in Abingdon but cyclists have not got back to using them again yet.
The previous racks were all ploughed down by a vehicle.