Newsletter 1 - January 2022
Welcome to 2022! I hope that your new year has started on a happy note and that your Christmas was fun? It was sad that we had to cancel the Christmas AGM and party but I think that it was the prudent thing to do given the latest Covid virus variant. We are hoping to hold a wine and cheese evening in March and will combine this with the AGM, to comply with our constitution that one should be held, if not annually, then no more than 15 months after the previous one.
Christmas around the marina was cheered up by the ‘Memory Tree’ brightening up the entrance to this area, which a lot of you visited and added your own memories. I certainly appreciated Laura’s idea. These adornments have now been taken down but Laura will keep them for a month should anyone wish to retain them.
Talking of trees, it is going to be the Platinum Jubilee in June and I think that planting a tree or trees would be an appropriate way to mark the event (as well as having a party of course!) Your thoughts on this would be much appreciated by the Social Committee.
The Fisherman’s Wharf carols around the Christmas tree, held with the Salvation Army band, was well attended despite the rain and was, as ever, a special way to start Christmas. Many thanks to the residents of Fisherman’s Wharf who also supplied us with mulled wine and mince pies. Nearly £300 was raised thanks to your kind contributions.
Best wishes to you all for a happy and healthy 2022 and let’s hope that we can all meet up often during the year.
Photo: Barry Gustavson
Happy New Year from the AMRA Social Committee
It’s the last curtain call for our visit to the New Theatre, Oxford to see:
9 to 5 - The Musical
on next Wednesday 19th January 2022 at 14:30. Tumble outta’ bed and stumble to Dolly Parton’s rip-roaring musical starring Claire Sweeney, direct from 5-star reviews and sold-out audiences in the West End!
The last few AMRA group seats are still available to see this wonderful matinee musical which is ideal for brightening a gloomy January day. Tickets are £24:50 each (a £5:00 ticket price saving). There are limited numbers so to avoid disappointment, please let Laura know if you are interested as soon as possible on amra.social@yahoo.com.
The theatre has reviewed its Covid Policy due to the Omicron variant. All theatre goers will be required to show proof of NHS double vaccination or a current negative lateral flow test. You will be required to wear a face mask whilst moving around the theatre AND during the performance. The seats will be together so you’ll be sitting with AMRA friends and neighbours.
Book Club - First meeting on 1st February 2022
The first book proposed is ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ by Delia Owens. It was a bestseller in 2018 so hopefully you may find copies in local charity shops. If not and you want to buy a second-hand copy online, the following sites are very useful: abebooks.com or
The first meeting will be in the evening of Tuesday 1st February
If you are planning to attend, please let Laura know so we can choose a suitable location for the numbers. amra.social@yahoo.com
Well-being Walks on Mondays at 10:30
Do you want to be more active? Has lockdown affected your well-being, or are you looking to be more mobile and socialise with people? Join Well-being Walks who offer free walks in Abingdon on Mondays at 10:30. Meet at the Abbey Gardens Bottom Gate (end of Abbey Close). No need to book: just turn up!
Option 1. Slow pace 30 minute walk doing laps around Abbey Gardens with opportunities to stop on benches.
Option 2. Gentle pace 1 hour walk around Abbey Meadows.
Option 3. Gentle pace 45 minute slightly longer walk around Abbey Meadows.
All walks follow COVID-19 safety guidelines. For more information, please email:
A tourist!
You may have seen some extra visitors in the Marina recently dressed in camouflage and carrying long lenses. We have a tourist from Siberia who is causing a bit of excitement amongst birdwatchers. The Pallas Leaf Warbler has been seen around the marina and the nearby lakes.
A cute little fellow, I’m sure you will agree!