
Newsletter 8 - September 2021
Dear AMRA Members, welcome to the September Newsletter.
From Delia Evans, Chair of AMRA
What a difficult time we have all had for the past 18 months! However, I hope that you all feel happier now that things are improving. Socially, things are slowly getting back to normal, albeit carefully and sensibly, as with our recent Summer Party. Our grateful thanks go to Laura and her team for organising such a brilliant start to the social calendar.
The Boatnic too, was a fun afternoon for all who joined in, as you can see from the photo. The Abingdon Bridge sent us this thank you note following our donation: “Thank you for the £60 which Abingdon Marina Residents donated to support vulnerable people in Abingdon. Please convey the thanks of the staff and trustees of The Abingdon Bridge to the residents of Abingdon Marina”
The photo competition is nearing its end, so I hope you are looking forward to the resulting AMRA 2022 calendar, which will be on sale in December, just in time for purchase as a useful Christmas present! Delia Evans
Boatnic
The 2021 Boatnic was held at Abingdon Lock on September 18th. The weather was amazing and there was food and drink aplenty. Neighbours arrived via boat, car and on foot.
£60 was collected and gratefully received by The Abingdon Bridge, which is an Oxfordshire charity that provides guidance and emotional support for young people aged 13 - 25.
The lock staff joined us for a drink, music was played and merriment was had by all.
Photo: Laura Johnson

Our Abingdon Lock-keeper

Richard, the Abingdon Lock-keeper, has been suffering from long Covid after contracting the disease in March 2020. He has joined a fund-raising team and has rowed a leg from Lechlade to Windsor to raise money for people with long Covid, even though he still has symptoms himself.
Some AMRA members and boat owners have raised £200 for the Covid charity. We have also given Richard and his family a few gifts to show our thanks for all they do for the community. A food gift hamper was given to Richard, flowers to Lizzie, a little dress for baby June and a chew for Widget the dog (we didn’t want to leave anyone out!).
Photo: Laura Johnson
If you would also like to donate to the Covid charity on the JustGiving page please click here: Just_Giving-William Howard
Future Social Events
Historic Walking Tour around Abingdon
Monday 18th October - 2pm
Kevin Goodman from North Quay has kindly offered to provide a walk around historic Abingdon. There will be interesting facts about our town. Meet at the Town Hall museum at 2.00pm. Booking is not necessary. Comfortable shoes (and maybe brollies!) will be needed. Many thanks to Kevin. If more information is needed please contact amra.social@yahoo.com
Abbey Cinema
Film afternoon - Abingdon Cinema. Booked exclusively for AMRA.
Date: Early November; please express your interest to: amra.social@yahoo.com
AGM and Christmas Party
This will be held at the Abingdon Rugby Club on the 10th December. Please arrive from 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start.
Wanted:
The Social Committee has vacancies for new members. If you are positive, creative and innovative and can spare some time, we would like to hear from you. Meetings are casual and all ideas are considered. Full or part time members welcome. If you would like to attend one of our meetings to find out what we are all about, please drop me a line at mailto: amra.social@yahoo.com
August Photo Competition winners
The winners in August are:
First Place - Kate Law, 'Three Men in a Boat (minus the dog)'

Each of the monthly competition winners will be used in the new AMRA calendar for 2022 , which will be available for purchase in December so why not start thinking about who you’d like to give it to,
perhaps as a Christmas gift
Finally, if you have any nice photos
taken in November or December 2020 then please send them to Kate.
Good luck,
Sandra North,
Claire Heald
and
Kate Law
Second Place - Sandra North, 'Colourful Kayaks'

Third Place - Nicola Macpherson, 'Maybe Next Year'
