Patrick and the Town Crier led the Abingdon Boundary Walk this Sunday morning as part of Heritage Open Days.

The walk started round by St Helen’s Wharf. There was also a walk about Victorian Abingdon around the Albert Park area, led by Jackie Smith – the town archivist.

In the afternoon, the Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers were dancing in the Market Place. Two other guided walks set off at 2:30pm.

One was the Lost Abbey Walk –

seen here setting off in search of the lost Abbey. The other walk was around the Edible Abingdon plots.

There was an information stall, on the Market Place, where people could sign up for the walks or pick up self guided walk leaflets.

In the Abbey Buildings Mr Busby of Busby Bees was telling people about the history of bee keeping.

The Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers arrived soon after to do some more dancing. Lastly, the Lost Abbey walkers arrived.

7th May 1921

Brigadier-General Wigan, the Coalition Unionist member for the Abingdon Division, resigned last week, giving reasons of business. Abingdon Liberals, placed on record their strong and emphatic protest against the present creation of an untimely and unnecessary vacancy in the representation of the constituency, have decided, in view of the present industrial Crisis, not to invite a candidate to contest the seat.

At this Borough Police Court on Tuesday the only case was that of Edwin Thatcher, of Drayton, who was summoned for using a motor car without an identification plate, at Abingdon, and was fined £1.

The proceeds of the recent concert given by the Abingdon Choral Society enabled £12 to be given to the Radliffe Infirmary, Oxford, and to the Abingdon Cottage Hospital.

The final football match for lads under 18, for the War Memorial Cup, took place at Abingdon on Saturday last, on the Pavlova ground, between Abingdon and Grove, the former winning by 3 to nil. In the absence of Mr Lessing, of Kingstone House, the cup and medals were presented by his uncle, Mr E. A. Strauss.
14th May 1921
A folk dancing demonstration was held on Thursday 12th May at the residence of Mr Brolwy Challonor, and included the famous Morris Dances.

The funeral of Mrs Gillingham, aged 72, the wife of Mr W P Gillingham of ‘Avondale’ Park Road took place on Thursday 12th May in the presence of a large number of friends. Deceased was one of the oldest members of Abingdon Congregational Church, of which Mr Gillingham is senior deacon. The first part of the service was conducted by the pastor (Rev C.H.Gill) in the Congregational Church. Wreaths were sent from the firm of Messrs. Brind, Gillingham and Co Ltd of Abingdon and Oxford.

The Didcot Depot is in future to be policed by the Berks Constabulary, and attached to the Abingdon Police Division. Huts have been converted into quarters for the police, and P.S Humphries, of Wallingford, has been promoted Inspector, and takes charge of the Ordnance Depot at Didcot.

A Ladies’ Croquet Club has been formed in Abingdon, and the Governors of Christ Hospital, Abingdon, have laid down two lawns in Albert Park for the use of the Club. Lady Norman is the president, and Mrs G, H. Roberts, of Radley Road, the hon. sec.

The Abingdon grocers have agreed to closing their shops on the first three days of the week at 6 p.m. Thursday is the usual half-day and on Friday and Saturday the shops will he closed at the usual hour.

Mr. and Mrs. George Matthews, of Spring Road, Abingdon, celebrated their golden wedding last week, and were the recipients of many hearty congratulations. Mr. Matthews has been for over 63 years at the Abingdon clothing factory, and his fellow workers made him a presentation of a case of pipes.

21st May 1921

Mr. Thomas Loyd, Coalition Unionist, was on Saturday returned unopposed at the by-election in the Abingdon Division of Berkshire. At the previous election, in 1918 J. T. Wigan, Coalition Unionist, was returned.

The festival of Whitsuntide was duly kept at the Abingdon Churches, of St Helen, St. Michael, and St. Nicolas, which were appropriately decorated. Early celebrations of the Holy Communion were held in each of the churches, with High Mass at 11 a.m. at St Michael’s. There were good congregations. The Bank Holiday was favoured with delightful weather. On Monday boating and picniccing were the chief items of enjoyment.

The scheme inaugurated in Abingdon for systematic house-to-houses collections on behalf of the Oxford Infirmary and Abingdon Cottage Hospital has been very successful. The amount received the month of April was £83 13s 3d.

The Abingdon Fire Brigade was called on Wednesday last week to fire at a cottage at Rowstock, tenanted by John Moore, labourer. The only water supply was from deep well, which could not be used by the fire engine, and the thatched cottage was entirely destroyed. Moore, who was working in a field, saw the roof on fire, and in getting on the roof was partly embedded the thatch, and had to be extracted and taken to Wantage hospital. W . —The festival services at the
28th May 1921

The London Joint City and Midland Bank, of the Square, Abingdon, have transferred their business to larger premises, acquired at No. 6, High Street, Abingdon. (Became The Midland Bank and then HSBC)

On Thursday in last week, during the workmen’s dinner hour, a fire broke out in the roof electric power house, recently erected by Messrs Cox and Sons, builders, near Radley Road. The plant was used for driving a saw in a large building, near, and had also been used for supplementing the town electric supply. The roof which was of asbestos on match boarding, fell in and the remainder of the power house practically was destroyed. The building and its contents were insured.

For assaulting PS. Painter, at Abingdon last week, Albert Sheppard, 1st Bucks Regiment, of Didcot Depot, was sentenced by the Borough Magistrates to seven days’ hard labour. The Sergeant said the prisoner came up to him in the Market Place and complained that a landlord would not serve him with a drink. When, the policeman told the prisoner the landlord was justified he hit the Sergeant in the face with his fist, and was very violent on the way to the Police Station.

At the Cattle Market on Monday last, the supplies penned for the Auctioneers were good, but no appreciable difference of former general prices were evident The supplies included 150 fat and store pigs, sheep, 68 calves, 25 fat beasts and 51 stores. COUNTY BENCH. MONDAY. Before Admiral R. W. ClutWrimck, Messrs U, T. Tatham, Brewer, and E. H. Green. Alfred Prince, of Longworth, who was stopped both at Frilford and Tubner the same evening for riding a bicycle without lights, on May sth, was fined 6s in each case. William Midwinter and Hadley Hall.labourers, Harwell, for a like offence at Steventon on May was fined each. It was stated that both had good lamps but would not trouble to light them. John Henry Baughan, farmer. Dry Sandford, for allowing six stores to stray upon the highway at Sandford, on May 11th, was fined 8d for each pig. An holdover of the license of the ‘* Railway House “”lnn, Steventon, was granted from Alfred to Tom Snmmerby.

Thank you for the extracts to the Faringdon Advertiser and Vale of the White Horse Gazette on the British Newspaper Archive. Two pictures from the Reading Mercury and one (the first) from The Sketch of 9th September 1925 showing Brigadier-General Wigan.

5th June 1920
On Monday last the Abingdon Police had another field day in Abingdon for holding up motor cars for the production of licenses, and Mr Asquith, journeying from his Sutton Courtenay residence, was held up, but it proved to be blank, as the late Premier promptly produced his license.

The G.W.R. Company in their reply to the Abingdon Town Council’s suggestion that the Sunday trains on the Branch should be re-commenced, state that the circumstances did not admit of the facility being afforded.

The Abingdon Town Council has granted another £50 towards the equipment of the Local Museum of Natural History and Antiquities in the County Hall.

The Abingdon Bathing Place was re-opened for the sesion on Sunday last. The floods during the winter having destroyed a portion of the island on which the dressing boxes were built, only a portion of the island can be used at present.

12th June 1920

The Abingdon Railway Slate club members had an outing to Blenheim Park, Woodstock, on Sunday last. The journey was made by brakes, and supplies for luncheon and tea were taken with the party. The day was greatly enjoyed.

The Abingdon branch the C.E.M.S. has through lack of interest of the majority of its members, suspended its active working sine die. (Church of England Men’s Society)

The report of the Abingdon Free Library has been issued and shows satisfactory use being made of the reading and lending department. During the year ended March 31, the period the report covers, 14.304 volumes were issued from the lending department.

19th June 1920

The graded supplies at Abingdon Cattle Market on Monday last were 4 beasts and 56 sheep, 24 of the latter being allocated to Oxford. Calves met a fast trade and realised up to £l7. Supply pigs was rather short, some strong stores made up to 47s.

At Abingdon Borough Police Court: J. H. Hammond, Trinity College, Oxford; Nellie Alden, Eastwick Farm. Abingdon, and F. Hugging, butcher, Southmoor Road, Oxford, were each fined 10s for failing to produce motor licenses when requested by the police.

26th June 1920

Roysse School Founder’s Day took place on Friday last, when the usual service was held in St Helen’s Church, and a wreath placed upon the Founder’s (John Roysse) tomb. A reception of parents and friends was afterwards held at the school, and a cricket match between past and present, the former winning by only one run. On Saturday the usual regatta was held ou the river, where the prizes were distributed by the Lord Lieut of the County (J. H. Benyon, Esq.)

The June Fair was held as usual in the Abingdon Market Place on Monday last, but only a few small stalls and miniature roundabouts were erected.

There was a large attendance at a Council meeting in connection with the Unionist Association of the Abingdon Parliamentary Division, the business being to consider the replacement for the sitting MP, Brig-Gen Wigan, D.S.O.. Mr Arthur T Loyd was selected and in his acceptance speech said: I must thank you very sincerely for the great compliment you have paid me by this selection. Believe me, it is an honour I appreciate very highly, and I also appreciate the great responsibility which attaches to the position in which you have placed me. I must confess I am an extraordinarily bad politician, for I suffer from an awkward inability to say one thing and mean other (applause). Probably I shall get the better of it, but if I betray a disposition to say what I mean and try to do what I say l am going to do, I hope you will put it down to inexperience (laughter and applause) …

Thank you for the extracts to the Faringdon Advertiser and Vale of the White Horse Gazette on the British Newspaper Archive. The picture of Mr Asquith about to drive his car is from The Graphic also on the British Newspaper Archive. The Wills’s cigarette card is from a private collection.

Saturday 01 May 1920

At the Abingdon Borough Police Court on Tuesday, Edwin Fisher, cabman, Fyfield, was summoned for cruelty to a horse, but did not appear. Mr Finch, R.S.P.C.A., said that on the 17th April he found the horse, which was very old. in the High Street in a very bad state. He had called the defendant’s attention to sores on its back the week previous. The Bench ordered the horse to be destroyed, and adjourned the case sine die defendant to pay 10s towards costs.

The annual spring stock sale at Abingdon took place on Wednesday last week in the Tower Brewery Meadow, Ock Street. The entries exceeded 400 and were mostly from farmers in the district. Messrs Adkin. Belcher and Bowen, the auctioneers, sold most of the stock at good prices.

Saturday 08 May 1920

At the County Bench on Monday, James Sutton, labourer, of no fixed abode, was charged with breaking into the residence of William Hosier, Ock Mill, Abingdon, on April 29th. Prisoner had been previously convicted and the Bench sent the case to the Reading Assizes.

The Abingdon War Memorial Committee have decided that the site for the Memorial shall be the Square, the same place as the temporary cross is erected. The final vote for the Memorial design is to be left to the relations of the 205 men of the town who had lost their lives in the war, but are to be given three designs to choose from, viz a cross, a cenotaph, and a bronze figure of a Berks infantryman.

On Thursday in last week the members of the Abingdon Y.M. Social Club returned from war services were entertained to a dinner by C Pryce founder of the Club, which took place at the Assembly Rooms, Station Road. During the evening the presentation of a wallet of Treasury notes was presented to Mr A. J. Young who recently resigned the office of hon. sec and treasurer after 25 years service. Young’s, response, mentioned the fact that during the past 25 years he had not missed a single meeting of the Club which he estimated at nearly 300 meetings. He thanked the company for giving him such a happy ending to a pleasant chapter of his life.

Saturday 15 May 1920

At the Abingdon May Fair on Thursday in last week the Abingdon Market Place was occupied by roundabouts, stalls, etc , and there was a large attendance during the evening. The fair was originally a horse fair held in Lombard Street, but which has been defunct for many years.

The last of the winter series of lectures given in Abingdon under the auspices of the Berks Agricultural Society was delivered on Wednesday by Dr. B. Marett, Dean of Exeter College, Oxford, on prehistoric periods.

The Abingdon Cricket Club commenced their season on Saturday last with a match on the home ground against Oriel College, Oxford, the former winning by 54 runs.

Borough Court, Tuesday. John Pullinger, Radley, was fined 5s for not sending his child to school regularly.
Saturday 22 May 1920

On Monday most of the builders workmen, masons, bricklayers, painters etc-, came out on strike for the Oxford wages of 2s per hour, the present pay being per hour 1s 6 1/2d.

The Abingdon Division of the Berks Constabulary had a field day on Monday last amongst the motor drivers. All cars and motor cycles were held up for production of licenses, particulars of which were taken down. The episode interested many of the Abingdonians, especially the juveniles.

The Abingdon ‘lvy’ Lodge of Oddfellows have placed in their Lodge room an oak tablet in honour of 184 members of the Lodge, who served in the Forces during the war; 33 of whom made the supreme sacrifice. The tablet was designed by G. Dixon, Abingdon, and the names are in gilt letters, the unveiling the Memorial took place last week when the Vicar of Abingdon said the dedicatory prayers, and the hymn O God, our help in ages past was sung. There was a large company present including the Mayor.

The Abingdon Branch of the Comrades, at a meeting last week passed the following resolution to be sent to the Government ‘That this Branch, being gravely concerned at the news which reaches them from many parts of Ireland, of the conditions under which ex-Service men are living, the persecution which they are suffering, and the danger to their wives and families, calls upon the Government to take immediate steps to give protection to these men, who went without any compulsion whatever to fight side by side with their brothers of Great Britain overseas.
Saturday 29 May 1920

The Whitsuntide services at the Churches of St. Helen’s, St. Michael’s and St. Nicholas’. Abingdon, were attended on Sunday by large congregations, and the Churches were nicely decorated.

Thank you for the extracts to the Faringdon Advertiser and Vale of the White Horse Gazette on the British Newspaper Archive.

Saturday 03 April 1920

At St. Helen’s Church on Palm Sunday afternoon the Abingdon Choral Society, under the conductorship of Mr Sheldon Peach, gave a creditable rendering of Stainer’s Crucifixion, when there was a large congregation. Introductory prayers were said by The Vicar, and a silver collection in aid of the Abingdon Cottage Hospital. Miss S. Peach was the principal soloist.

Major J. N. Aldworth has been appointed to command the reconstructed 4th Batt. Royal Berks Regt. He served with his battalion for four years in France and Italy, and gained the M C. in the Somme battle in 1916, and was twice mentioned in dispatches.

The last of a series of Sunday evening musical services at the Abingdon Congregational Chapel, was given on Palm Sunday, when there was a large congregation. The anthem was O Praise the Lord. The Rev. C. H. Gill preached a very practical sermon on the subject of  ‘Recreation.’

The quarterly returns of the registrar (Mr Simpson) for Abingdon and District shows a considerable increase in the birth rate, of which there were 70 (33 males and 37 females) against 21 in the corresponding quarter of last year, the population of the area being 6439 at the last census. The death rate was 35 as against 47 in the corresponding period.

Saturday 10 April 1920

A public meeting was held in the Abingdon Corn Exchange last week to discuss plans for a War Memorial, the Mayor presiding. There was a fair attendance, and several took part in the discussion, and several letters of suggestions and opinions were sent and read. The result of the exhibition of the plans for inspection of the public in the Roysse Room for a fortnight was that out of 1,600 only 269 entered any opinion as to the exhibits, 171 of whom voted for canopied tomb specimen exhibited.

Mr H. Strange Road, Abingdon, has just retired from the services of Messrs Bayliss a Co. of Ock Street, Abingdon, after 40 years with the firm at the Abingdon Branch.

Wantage Town again met Abingdon in the final for the North Berks Junior Cup at Wallingford on Saturday last in the presence over 2,000 spectator. During the first half Abingdon scored two goals, but on changing ends Wantage retaliated and made the score equal, a third goal by Kichings being disallowed. Extra time was played but no further scoring took place, and it was decided to again hold the replay at Wallingford on May 1st.

Saturday 17 April 1920

St Nicolas Church Vestry Meeting was held on Tuesday last, when Mr J. T. West was re-elected Churchwarden for the 23rd time. St. Helens Church Easter Vestry was held on Thursday evening, the Vicar presiding. Messrs M. T. Tatham and T. Bowen were re-elected Churchwardens

The graded supplies at Abingdon Market included 3 beasts and 62 sheep, both being allotted to local butchers. The control for pigs being dissolved there were penned 100 store pigs and 84 porkers

The (Workhouse) Abingdon Board of Guardians met Monday last, Mr Weaving presiding. The quarter’s bills were submitted, amounting to £1,617 14s 3d, an increase on the corresponding quarter of £572 15s 5d. The number of inmates was reported to be 151, as against 141 the corresponding quarter last year.

A lecture about South Rhodesia, its natives and the political situation, was given in the Abingdon Church Girls’ School on Monday evening. There was a good attendance.

At the Abingdon Borough Police Court on Tuesday, before the Mayor and Councillor Clarke, James Taylor, labourer. West St. Helen Street, Abingdon, was sentenced to seven days hard labour for being drunk and disorderly in Broad Street on Sunday last, and Sheldon Peach of Abingdon, was fined 5s for a dog being astray without being muzzled.

Saturday 24 April 1920

The Ivey Lodge of Oddfellows held another successful whist drive in the Roysse Room, Abingdon, on Wednesday evening last week, when over 150 were present. Refreshments were served, and the Mayor distributed the prizes to the winners.

There were no cases for hearing at the Abingdon Borough Police Court on Tuesday last.

The Abingdon Girls’ Club members, assisted by friends, gave capital entertainment in the Abingdon Corn Exchange on Wednesday evening last week, when they were accorded a full house. The programme included a musical sketch arranged by Miss S Peach, and a play arranged by Miss Tatham, Northcourt House, and Miss Estridge, of Square House. Each item on the programme was well received.

Dear Stevens, Following my letter of July last, and in view of the fact that my wife and I have now settled in Essex, I have definitely decided that I would prefer not to stand for the Abingdon Division of North Berkshire at the next election. Whilst I have done all that I can to represent the interests of those who reside in the constituency, I find that as I live so far away, it is hard to keep in touch with my constituents without neglecting my more local affairs. Probably also, in many ways a local candidate for such a constituency as the Abingdon Division of North Berkshire, would have many advantages, should a suitable one become available. I have met with little else than kindness since I have had the honour of being your Member, and I should also like to thank you, the Committee, and members of our Association for all they have done, Believe me. Yours very sincerely Brigadier-General John Wigan

Thankyou for the extracts to the Faringdon Advertiser and Vale of the White Horse Gazette on the British Newspaper Archive. Pictures from old postcards and town guides.

Saturday 06 March 1920

The Cattle Market was re-opened on Monday for fat stock only, under the Restriction Order for Foot and Mouth, and the supply was twelve beasts and 45 sheep, which were allocated to the town.

The Rev. Charles Deal, for over 10 years Minister of the Baptist Chapel, Ock Street, Abingdon, who has resigned, and is taking up work near London, preached his farewell sermon to a large congregation on Sunday evening last.

The coal shortage was referred to at the Abingdon Council meeting last week. It appeared that the amount of coal allocated the town was about 1,800 tons short of the maximum, and it was stated that last Thursday there was scarcely any coal for sale in the town.

From the proceeds of a recent concert given in the Corn Exchange by the Abingdon Choral Society, £6 has been given to the Cottage Hospital, and £5 to the local Sanatorium Comforts Fund.

At the County Bench on Monday, Mrs A. Hedderley, of Wootton Farm. Abingdon, was fined 5s for allowing two bulls to stray on the highway.

Saturday 13 March 1920

Plans for the Abingdon War Memorial have been exhibited in the Roysse Room during the past and present weeks for inspection by the townspeople, who are asked to write their opinions on slips provided. There are three designs —one by Mr J. G. T. West, architect, of Abingdon, appointed by the Council, which is estimated to cost £500 ; one Mr C O. Wright, art master of Roysse School, Abingdon, estimated to coat £1,850 ; and the other by Mrs Councillor E. Reynolds, a probable cost of £300.

ln the Saturday League matches the Abingdon Town Club beat Steventon by 14 goals to nil.

The Arts League Service gave a capital entertainment in the Abingdon Corn Exchange, on Wednesday evening last week. The audience although not a large one, highly appreciated a refined, artistic and pleasant evening

The annual boat race between the past and present, scholars of Abingdon Roysse School came off in the Culham Reach on Wednesday, and resulted in the Old Boys being defeated by two lengths.

The Abingdon Pierrot Troupe ‘The Cheerios’, gave a capital entertainment in the Corn Exchange, on Thursday evening in last week, in aid of the local Cottage Hospital. There was crowded house and the performers received enthusiastic reception.

Saturday 20 March 1920

A sale of work was held in the Abingdon Wesleyan Schoolroom Thursday in last week, to clear off a debt of about £80 on the Circuit Fund. The receipts came to over £100. The Mayor presided at the opening ceremony, which was performed by Mrs H. T. Clarke, of Waste Court, Abingdon.

At the Abingdon Post Office last week a roll of honour tablet was unveiled and dedicated, bearing the names of employees who served in the war, and four who lost their lives. The tablet is of carved oak, and was unveiled by the Mayor and dedicated by the Vicar. The frame is of ornamental carving, surmounted with the Abingdon Borough Arms in green and gold. The tablet is placed in the public department ol the Post Office.

At the Borough Police Court Tuesday, Mrs Clara Vretch, proprietress of the Queen’s Hotel, Market Place, Abingdon, was fined 7s 6d for allowing her dog to be in the street unmuzzled.

Saturday 27 March 1920

The Abingdon Ivy ” Lodge of Oddfellows’ balance sheet for the previous year just published show a total amount of funds in the adult branch of £4,505, there being an increase of £183 during the year. In the juvenile section the total fund is £249, the increase for last year being £14.

 The Abingdon Cottage Hospital have arranged for another annual house to house collection in Abingdon and the neighbouring villages by a committee of ladies

In aid of the National Life Boat Institution an Oxford undergraduate party gave a theatrical entertainment on Wednesday evening in last week, to a large and appreciative audience at the Abingdon Corn Exchange.

At the Abingdon Rural District Council meeting at the Guildhall, Abingdon, on Monday last ,Mr H. Weaving presiding, the Surveyor’s estimate for road repairs during the ensuing year amounting to £9,605 9s was passed

William M. Grundy, headmaster, Roysse School, Abingdon, was fined 7s 6d under the Dog Muzzling Order (to prevent Rabies)

On Wednesday, Harry Dixey, an old Abingdon man of 72 years was charged with absconding from the Abingdon Workhouse, on March 15th from which date he had been wandering about, and was arrested in Wootton road. Defendant was before the Court a month ago on a similar charge and cautioned. The Bench now committed him to seven days with such hard labour as the defendant was certified able to perform.

Thankyou for the extracts to the Faringdon Advertiser and Vale of the White Horse Gazette on the British Newspaper Archive. Picture of cattle weighing machine and Oddfellow lunch from Oxford Journal Illustrated. The notice of the War Memorial and animal circus came from the North Berks Herald.

7th February 1920
(Pictures of children in Abingdon waiting at the Station Yard Depot for coal with wheelbarrows sacks and handcarts)

The coal shortage came up for discussion at a Town Council meeting in February. During the previous twelve months there had been a shortage of coal allocated to Abingdon, and it was said that only the mildness of the winter prevented dire hardship and distress.

Many men in their forties who were not ‘too old’ when their country needed them discover they were so now when they tried to get a job.

A motor lorry, on Monday afternoon, crashed into a window at The Knowl, Stert Street, the residence of  J, G. T. West, the framework and window being completely demolished.

A slight fire occurred last Saturday evening in one of the wool-drying sheds in the Pavlova Leather Works, but was extinguished by the employees before the Fire Brigade arrived.

At the Borough Police Court on Tuesday, for allowing dogs to stray without wearing muzzles, Walter Thatcher, builder, of Stert Street, and Louisa Ballard, shopkeeper, of Stert Street, were each fined 5s. and Lady Stratton of Stratton House, Bath Street, who did not appeal, was fined 7s 6d. (The Muzzling Order was introduced on the outbreak of rabies).

Saturday 14th February 1920

The American Cobweb, a rather novel way of raising money, was tried at the Wesleyan schoolroom, and was quite successful. The proceeds were for the National Children’s Home and Orphanage.

A pair of horses, attached to a lorry, whilst at Abingdon Station on Thursday, were frightened by the back-fire of a motorcycle, bolted out of the Station yard, Broad Street, and rushed up the steps of Lady Norman’s residence, joining the street, and one of the horses thrust its head through a panel of the door. Both horses fell, and were about to re-start, when they were pluckily secured by Mr J. Gibbens,

The following were fined 5s each under the dog muzzling order : – Percy Aldwinckle. Manor Farm, Shippon; Sarah Whale, landlady of. the Globe Inn. Market Place, Abingdon; Fred Sandford, gardener, of Caldecott Road. Abingdon; and Marion Halse, night nurse at the Abingdon Workhouse.

Arthur Day was charged at the Borough Bench on Monday with stealing from Milton Depot, on Feb. 7th, three sponges of the value of 10s. The defendant, with others, on leaving work, was searched, and the property was found on him. The Bench took a lenient view, it being a first offence, and fined him 30s.

Saturday 21st February 1920

Abingdon Choral Society gave an entertainment in Abingdon Corn Exchange. The first part of the evening was a cantata ‘The Song of Victory’– ironically written by a German composer, and the second part, miscellaneous items. There was an efficient local orchestra, and the proceeds were in aid of local charities.

The congregations of St. Helens, St Michaels, and St Nicolas Churches, Abingdon, held a very enjoyable Soiree at the Abingdon Corn Exchange, on Shrove Tuesday evening. There was a large company present and all were heartily welcomed by the Vicar, A very enjoyable evening was spent.

Saturday 28th February 1920

Tom Finnigan, 45, a soldier in the R.A.O.C at Didcot was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Bridge Street and assaulting P.C. Pill. The constable said the defendant was found shouting and using bad language, and on being ordered to be quiet and go away became abusive, and being taken into custody tore the constables coat. Defendant was fined 10s for being drunk, £2 for assaulting the police, and 5s damages.

Neville Bradshaw, undergraduate, Merton College, Oxford, was summoned for riding on the footpath at Cumnor Hill. Defendant pleaded that the road was very slippery. Case dismissed.

Abingdon Cattle Market was again closed on Monday in consequence of the foot and mouth disease.

The Abingdon Town Council war memorial committee resolved that the War Memorial should be placed in The Square and a roll of honour of all who had fallen or served in the war should be prepared. The number of men who enlisted during the war was 1336 of whom 205 died and 360 had been wounded. The number who received honours numbered 60.

The housing committee decided to make a start with the construction of about 50 houses on the east side of the land at Boxhill, facing the Oxford Road. The land to be purchased for £2900.

The proposal to bring a new Glue and Gelatine factory to the town could not be considered in view of the effluent estimate of 300,000 gallons a day and the nuisance which would be caused by the boiling of hoofs, bones and skins.

The Borough Mace went to be repaired in London where it was compared with the maces of the Houses and Lords and Commons and was pronounced by experts to be a far finer specimen than either.

Thankyou for the extracts to the Faringdon Advertiser and Vale of the White Horse Gazette on the British Newspaper Archive. A few town council stories came from Borough Archives in Abingdon Library. Adverts came from the North Berks Herald. Picture of children collecting coal from Oxford Journal Illustrated – Jan 14th 1920)

Tomorrow Evening we have a committee meeting of the Preston Road Community Centre Association. We still have some of the old handwritten minutes from the Thames-side Residents Association (TRA). The TRA fund raised to get Preston Road Community Centre built.

The following extracts from meetings of the TRA from 1972-4 provide a little social history. There might even be something to learn from the past.

Socials

Everything under control – 185 tickets have been sold for April 7th Social.

The next social is a barn dance. The caller Ken Moore is very good at teaching newcomers to join in.

The darts match on May 8th at the MG’s club on Caldecott Road was judged by all to be a roaring success.

The social was aided by the excellent food prepared by Mrs Judy Baughan … It is sad we saw the Baughans moving house, and hope their life in Wolverhampton will be a happy one.

The coach trip to Bristol Zoo was a notable success.

Despite the Government’s Emergency Power measures we were able to hold our Children’s Christmas Party.

Traffic and River Crossing

Traffic has become a major problem in many towns nowadays but with the completion of the A34 bypass, much of the through traffic will be removed from the town.

When the Abingdon By-pass is opened gravel extraction lorries will go via Oday Hill not Preston Road and Wilsham Road.

Following the D.A.W Report’s recommendation of a new bridge across the Thames at St Helen’s Wharf, Abingdon Borough Council appointed a firm of traffic consultants to re-analyse the current and possible future traffic situation in Abingdon. It said:

• The bridge scheme at St Helens Wharf, although probably best for traffic flow, does not have sufficient flexibility and is an environmental disaster. 
• Stratton Way should be extended to Wilsham Road so that South Abingdon is not cut off.
• If a new bridge is required then it should be sited at Culham Reach. That would require a new road from the Drayton Road south of Sutton Fields, Overmead and Riverside estates.

The gravel / refuse lorries are starting to creep in again. The only lorries using Preston Road should be corporation dust-carts. If you see any violations please contact Curtis direct.

Community Centre

At long last some activity – the community centre steering group have obtained quotes from builders.

Abingdon Borough Council will set aside £15000 for community facilities including £3000 for the Mill Road Clinic and £12000 for a Community Centre in Preston Road

The Community Centre money we have raised so far will only stretch to the bare shell of a building. We will probably have to do things like electrics, heating, and some plumbing ourselves.

New Phone Boxes

Another victory as another phone box is being erected at Kensington Close

Judging by the heavy use of the telephone box at the corner of Kensington Close it more than justifies our request for more.

The GPO have decided to install another phone box along the river bank by Wilsham Road / Saxton Road.

(Phone Box image thanks to Google Maps 2008. The original should have been red.)

This postcard (County Series. No 3326) is of the Abbey Gateway, Abingdon, and was sent with the message ‘This and some very old buildings here all over the place.’.

The very old buildings are still here in Abingdon, but farm animals no longer laze about.

There were a couple of stone faces over the gateway I had not noticed before. Are they multiplying?

Saturday 3rd January 1920
The Abingdon Town Council Street Lighting Committee have commenced electric street lighting by placing electric lamps on the G.W.R. gates, corner of Park Road, and on the Square.

At the Oxford City Police Court last week, Albert Turner Wiltshire, of St. Thomas, Oxford, formerly of Gaol Yard, Bridge Street. Abingdon, was sent to prison for three months for neglecting his five children. It appeared from the evidence that the mother died at Abingdon last year, at which time the defendant was employed in the Labour Corps, working on land at Newbury and coming home week-ends. Defendant, after his wife’s death, broke up the home, left his children at the Abingdon Workhouse, having been taken there through illness. When the defendant was demobbed he was summoned for neglecting to support his children, and eventually took his children out of the Union and went to Oxford, giving up his job at Abingdon where he was earning £3 9s 4d per week, and drew out-of-work donations for 18 weeks. They were all living in a common lodging house in High Street, St. Thomas, Oxford, and found in a filthy state by Miss Hatch, of the Oxford Refuge Home. The children’s ages range from 13 to 5 years, three boys and two girls. Defendant’s excuse was that he could not get a house.

The Slate Club sharing out meeting at the Abingdon Railway Inn (G.W.R. Station Road) took place last week, ‘when a capital dinner was catered by the landlord. The amount received as members’ shares was 4s 6d each. Members present gave a subscription to the Abingdon Cottage Hospital.

Saturday 10th January 1920
United prayer meetings have been held at Abingdon on four evenings this week, the opening one being St. Helen’s Church, where, with permission of the Bishop of Oxford, Nonconformist ministers took part. The other three evenings the intercessions were held at the Congregational Chapel

The scholars of the Abingdon Wesleyan Sunday School gave a capital entertainment last Thursday evening at the Wesleyan Schoolroom in aid of St. Dunstan s Hostel for the Blind and the School fund. There was a large and appreciative audience.

The number of interments in the Abingdon Cemetery during the past year was 82 which is 57 less than in 1918 during the influenza epidemic.

Saturday 17th January 1920
The Abingdon Women’s and Men’s Unionist Associations held a social evening in the Corn Exchange on Wednesday evening. The hall was tastefully decorated, and there was a large attendance. J. F. Downing presided. Brigadier-General Wigan, the Member for the Abingdon Division of Berks, gave an address.

The gale of Sunday and Monday last swept over the town doing considerable damage to chimney stacks, roofs, telephone wires, trees, etc.

The Abingdon Pavlova Leather Works Club met a team from the R.A.F. at Milton at Abingdon on Saturday last,in the second round of the Berks Charity Shield Competition. After a close and good game the scores were Pavlova 2 R.A.F. 1. There was a good number of spectators notwithstanding the inclement weather.

Mr King, of Edward Street; Abingdon, country postman for 31 years between Abingdon and Kingstone Bagpuize has been awarded the Imperial Service Medal, and friends in hie postal district have subscribed and sent him a cheque for £11.

The Abingdon Girls’ Club, a very flourishing institution, held its New Year party on Wednesday in last week in the Corn Exchange, which had been gaily decorated. About 160 were present and the programme included music, songs, refreshments, dance, etc., and a very enjoyable time was spent.

Last week a thief entered through an unfastened window at the Abingdon Vicarage, and stole an overcoat, in the pocket of which were a pair of gloves and a 10s Treasury note. The theft took place in the afternoon during the temporary absence of the inmates of the Vicarage.

An accident befell P.C. Owen, of the Abingdon Police Staff, last Thursday whilst riding his bicycle in the High Street. On passing the Lion Hotel gateway, Mr Wilkinson of Wantage, came out on his motor cycle which collided with the constable, who knocked against the Wantage motor bus, which was passing at the same time, having a narrow escape of being ran over. The constable sustained a severe fracture of the wrist.

A handsome pair of altar candlesticks have been presented to St. Helen’s Church, Abingdon, by Miss Hyde, a former resident, in memory of her late sister, who was the donor of the fine reredos in this Church.

Saturday 24th January 1920
The Abingdon Dramatic Society gave an entertainment in the Corn Exchange on Wednesday to a crowded house. The programme consisted of the play ” The Ghost of Jerry Bundler,” a variety entertainment, dances, and farce, Leave it to me.”

Last week an Abingdon angler, fishing in Appleford Reach, was successful in landing jack which weighed 10 1/4 lbs.

The graded supplies at Abingdon cattle market on Monday last were two butchers beasts and 54 sheep, all of which were allocated to local tradesmen.

A lecture on Profitable poultry keeping was given in the Roysse Room on Monday afternoon by Mrs A. C. Rawson to the members of the local branch of the National Utility Poultry Association.

The Culham Old Boys’ Club held a re-union dinner at the Roysse Room on Thursday evening in last week, to welcome the return of their comrades from the war. The company numbered about 70, and Mr L. Evetts, headmaster of Culham School, presided. After the dinner and complimentary toasts the company paid silent tribute to the memory of their fallen comrades in the war, whose names were read out by the Chairman.

Saturday 31st January 1920
The Abingdon Comrades of the Great War held another their successful whist drives at their Club Rooms, Ock Street, on Thursday evening, when nearly 100 were present.

The graded supplies at Abingdon Cattle Market on Monday last were 18 beasts and 108 sheep, 6 of the former being allotted to Reading and 35 of the latter to Wantage.

The Abingdon Division of the Berks Constabulary held a reunion dinner last week at the Roysse Room, under the chairmanship of Supt. Foster, their respected head. A few friends were also present, and about 50 sat down to an excellent repast served by Mr G. Hathaway. The Chief Constable telephoned a message of regret for being unable to join the company, and wishing them a pleasant evening. Supt. Foster, in welcoming those members who had returned from the war, spoke of the difficulties attendant on their absence. The evening proved very enjoyable.

Thankyou for the extracts to the Faringdon Advertiser and Vale of the White Horse Gazette on the British Newspaper Archive. Adverts came from the North Berks Herald.