Work to replace ageing gas mains around the Albert Park in Abingdon began last week and will continue for a couple more weeks (correction see comments).
On Sunday the gate leading to the park area from Faringdon Road was open to help make up for the from Victoria Road being closed.
Work progresses on redeveloping the Open Air Pool at the Abbey Meadows. But with so many lorries coming and going along the path, to the service entrance round the side, the mud keeps getting churned up.
Other than work people, there are people going to the Abbey Brass Band hut who use the path – either to one of the training bands, or the senior band.
There was the problem of the dark as well, but a light has recently been added and improved matters a little. Gravel is sometimes put down, but it soon gets churned by the next few lorries.
One parent, who takes their son to band practice every week, suggested boards would have helped. Another band member told me there used to be a drier way round the edge but even that has become muddy. Wellington Boots are a necessity.
The Abingdon Army Cadets have been on the Market Place all day with four rowing machines. The event was organised by the cadets rather than their adult instructors.
They were rowing a distance of 200KM for three charities.
One of their adult instructors, a veteran paratrooper, who lost a leg in Afghanistan in 2012, recently broke the world record for rowing across the Atlantic Ocean in a pair. That challenge raised money for three charities: for Blesma (who assist limbless veterans to live normal lives), Dreamflight (who give a holiday in a lifetime to deserving children), and The Gurkha Welfare Trust.
Inspired by their instructor the cadets hoped to raise a few hundred pounds for those same three charities. Their Just Giving Page is Abingdon ACF Rowing
The Town Crier not only did some cries to encourage people to donate, he also joined in with a bit of rowing.
There was a full house at the Unicorn Cinema for the first showing of ‘Darkest Hour’ .. During the early days of World War II, the fate of Western Europe hangs on the newly-appointed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who must decide whether to negotiate with Adolf Hitler, or fight on against incredible odds. (This picture was taken while people were taking their seats during the previews.)
Some of the audience had dressed in 1940s style clothes. The Regal Evesham staff, who run the cinema, were also dressed in 1940s garb.
There were even a group of WWII re-enactors who had come along to watch the film. So there was a great atmosphere at the first showing of what turned out to be a gripping and moving film.
My wife and me also dressed up and had our picture taken by the official photographer. The picture may well appear on the Unicorn or Regal website. I am afraid we look more like we had come out to a 1970s disco that an 1940s evening to watch ‘Winnie.’
More showings can be booked at theunicorn.ac.