4th September
Dear Editor, I should feel obliged if, through the medium of your paper you could make an Appeal to employers residing in the Abingdon Parliamentary Constituency of Berkshire on behalf of the disabled ex-service men. The number of employers on the King’s Roll in the constituency is four, and the number of disabled ex-service men employed is sixty-eight. The number of disabled ex-service men unemployed is sixteen, and the number of employers not on the Roll of Honour, who might reasonably be expected to give undertakings is thirty-nine, of whom twenty-five employ approximately twenty-five workpeople or over. I am personally writing to them, and enclose you copy of my letter. I feel sure that every employer will wish to do all that is in his power to help those crippled whilst fighting for their King and Country. Yours faithfully, J. T. WIGAN. M.P. for the Abingdon Division of Berkshire.
The Abingdon Pavlova Factory held their second annual sports event in the grounds on the Marcham Road on Saturday last in fine weather, when there was a large attendance. The Abingdon Town Band was present and there were various amusements.
The Abingdon Gas Company have given notice to consumers that after the next meter reading the price of gas will be increased to 6s 8d per 1,000 cubic feet.
The Abingdon Town Band were granted the use of the garden and lawn of Councillor Claud Rippon at Springfields, Abingdon, when dancing was indulged in and good company was present.
The choir boys of the three Abingdon Churches had their annual outing on Thursday in last week, when a river trip to Wallingford in the steamer Alaska was greatly enjoyed. Tea was partaken of at Benson on the return journey.
11th September
Three London boys, aged 11, 9 and 7 years were found by the Abingdon Police last week, sleeping rough in the basin of the Old Canal. They told the police that a boy gave them a £1 note, and with it the three decided to have a country holiday and took a train to Abingdon. They gave an address in London, their parents were communicated with, and the children sent to their homes.
The Abingdon Salvation Army under the conductorship of Mr F. H. Tombs, paid a week-end visit to Buckingham Salvation Army, on Saturday last. The visit being highly appreciated.
Whilst Miss Bailie, of Caldecott, Abingdon was driving a pony and trap on Park Road last Friday, the horse shied at a passing motor vehicle and ran into the park railings and broke the shafts. Miss Bailie received severe bruising and had to obtain medical aid. The horse ran away but was stopped in Bath Street.
The Abingdon Lawn Tennis Club revived their annual pre-war three days tournament last week at the Abingdon Cricket Ground, Culham Road. Mrs. Challenor was again the hon. secretary. The winners of the open mixed doubles were Mr Fritton and Miss Cannon, who beat Dr and Mrs Stewart. The mixed local doubles was won by Mr J. S. Holt and Miss Robson, the ladies doubles by the Misses B. T. and M. Stephens, and the gentlemen’s doubles by Messrs. Cundell and Dickenson.
18th September
At the Abingdon Borough Police Court on Tuesday, the only case before the Mayor and Messrs H. S. Clarke and J. M. Paul, the sitting magistrates, was that of Rose Moore, single woman, 71, Ock Street, who was fined for riding a bicycle without a light in the Oxford road on Sept. 6th.
Sunday last was observed in Abingdon as Hospital Sunday, and collections were made through most of the streets. The Bands were the Abingdon Town Brass Band and the Headington Drum and Fife Band.
The Abingdon Bowling Club Season was brought to a close on Thursday afternoon last when the finals and semi-finals in several competitions were played off on the Albert Park Bowling Green. The competition included the president’s Challenge Bowl, which was won by Mr J.C. Greenwood, the Vineyard, Abingdon. The prizes were distributed by Mr A. E. Preston, the president of the club.
A Menagerie visited Abingdon on Wednesday, after being at St Giles’ Fair. For sanitary reasons it was not allowed to stand in the Market Place, therefore it was stationed in a field by Abingdon Bridge, and it was well patronised.
The Abingdon Choral Society have commenced their autumn and winter rehearsals, this year in the lecture room of the Abingdon Young Men’s Social Club, Ock Street – Mr F. Reid is the hon. sec.
25th September
Formed in 1918 as a war emergency, the Abingdon Pig Club has now been wound up. During its existence upwards of £600 has been spent in foodstuffs, distributed at cost price to tbe Club members. The accounts showed a deficiency of £9.
A war shrine placed in the Vineyard Street, Abingdon, has had to be taken down for renovation, the names of the fallen having been obliterated, and no record of the names having been kept, the parents and friends of the fallen heroes are being asked to again furnish the names.
The Abingdon Board of Guardians have appointed Miss Garnett, of Abingdon, as Matron’s Assistant at the Abingdon Union, at a salary of £36 per annum, with board, apartments and uniform.
Borough Police Court, Tuesday, before the Mayor (Councillor W B. Langford) William George Turner, Gaol Yard, Abingdon, was summoned for arrears in a bastardy order, and warrant was issued for days.
Thank you for the extracts to the Faringdon Advertiser and Vale of the White Horse Gazette on the British Newspaper Archive, who also provided the adverts. The Oxford Journal Illustrated featured disabled men’s fine work.
