Abingdon Rugby Football Club is just down the road. This is a friendly local club with two senior teams and over 190 youth players between the ages of 6 and 18. They are always looking for new players, so just pop down during any of the training sessions where you will receive a warm welcome. Training for senior players is on Tuesday and Thursday evenings starting at 7pm. The Colts (U17 and U18) train on Thursday evenings starting at 7pm and on Sundays as 12 noon. The youth section (U6 to U16) train on Sunday mornings starting 10.30am. Enthusiastic supporters are welcome to watch the teams playing on Saturday afternoons for seniors and Sunday mornings for youth teams.

The Rugby Club is the perfect venue to hire for private functions, birthday parties, wedding receptions etc. and there is an audio/video suite which is ideal for meetings. The lounge and kitchen can be hired with or without the use of the bar. All AMRA members are eligible to hire the Club at discounted rates. For more information contact Tracey on 07882101348 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit the website www.abingdonrufc.co.uk.

The existing fence, by the walkway through to Wilsham Road, was paid for in 1998 with money raised by Marina residents, but has now been badly damaged by the four sycamore trees and their roots. After long negotiations with the local council the offending trees have finally been removed but the fence and pavement remain in a sorry state.

Some residents, the Garden Guerrillas, volunteer to maintain the adjacent garden area pruning, weeding, removing litter and sycamore seedlings which, if left to grow, would damage the underground sewers that run through this area.

Since the recent appeal - to raise £2,000 to repair the fence and pavement - was launched, 11 pledges have raised £1,195, with donations pledged ranging from £25 to £300. This is an encouraging start but if we as a community are to hit the target of £2,000 then more funds need to be raised. Would anyone wishing to make a pledge please phone Tony Smith on 559177 as soon as possible. Amounts pledged are discretionary and will remain confidential. Tony will be collecting pledges from donors when the target is reached.

It was a beautiful sunny day for the Boat Picnic on Sunday 8th June. Forty people in eight boats moored up at Day's Lock, which has a lovely large grassy bank with a few trees for shade. A lovely location for a picnic. This event is now a firm favourite in our calendar, and will be held again next year.

The Summer Party, which is free to members, took place on the banks of the Thames at the Abbey Sailing Club. Again, the weather was kind to us and the Pig Roast was enjoyed by eighty members and guests. Next year's event has been booked for 27th June at the same location.

In September we joined forces with the Sailing Club to hold a Macmillan Coffee Morning. The event was well attended and raised £606 for this very worthwhile charity.

Sue Dixon is now being assisted by a new sub-committee of Lilian Coleman, Sue Cutler, Vicky O'Reilly and Linda Gardiner.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR MARINA RESIDENTS WITH BALCONIES

- from Committee member Lilian Coleman

Please would all residents who have wooden balconies check that there is no wood rot in any of the structure. There has been a recent example of a resident who was walking on a balcony which gave way and they fell through.

The AMRA Committee recommends that if you are in any doubt about the safety of your balcony, you have it checked. One person who is known to the Chairman who would do this Alan Wittington tel: 01235 832145.

- from Committee member Lilian Coleman