Ray Charlton, Captain of the Abingdon Salvation Army, has expressed his thanks to residents, many of them AMRA members, for the donation of £260.34 given by the Fisherman’s Wharf carol singers on Christmas Eve. Thanks to everyone who was there for their generosity and hearty vocals.

From time to time a swan gets into difficulty and can benefit from human intervention. Swan Lifeline is a local charity which is pleased to help or advise in these cases. If you see a swan in any sort of difficulty or distress, please contact Diana Davies on 07770 435625 or Wendy Hermon on 01753 859397.

It is also worth noting that Gary at Abingdon Marina (536147) will help if ducks, geese or other wildlife are in trouble.  He also removes debris, bits of tree, or flotsam and jetsam from the water.

Swan Upping, the annual ceremony to count and ring the year’s new cygnets and check on the health of the swan population, takes place in July. Why not have a picnic by the river and look out for this special ceremonial procession which dates back to the twelfth century? For other times and dates for the week of swan upping, go to www.thamesweb.co.uk/windsor/windsor1999/upping.html