Abingdon Bridge Closed

The two bridges at Abingdon over the River Thames have deteriorated to such an extent that the local authority has been compelled to close them to all traffic. The immediate cause of concern is the condition of the navigation arch, which has been reported to the county councils of Berkshire and Oxfordshire as unsafe for both heavy and light vehicles.

Initial consideration was given to carrying out temporary repairs to strengthen the navigation arch and allow traffic to resume. However, subsequent examination revealed that there was little likelihood of success, and the proposal was therefore abandoned.

In response to the closure, the County Authority has drawn up plans for a temporary one-way bridge. However, it is not expected that this will be brought into full use before the middle of June.

Meanwhile, the local Chamber of Commerce has been pressing for more immediate action, including the construction of a pontoon bridge to restore connectivity across the river. Local traders report significant hardship as a result of the bridge closures. To mitigate the impact, they have urged that toll gates at Sutton Courtenay and Clifton Hampden be made free, easing the burden on diverted traffic.

Complicating matters further is the unresolved question of responsibility for the maintenance and repair of Abingdon Bridge. This issue is currently the subject of legal proceedings. The action has been brought against the Master and Governors of Christ’s Hospital, Abingdon.

Eastertide in Abingdon – A Quiet Holiday

Good Friday brought unusually warm temperatures for the time of year, encouraging many to make the most of the fine weather. Appleton and Tubney Woods attracted parties of primrose gatherers, while others enjoyed their first outings on the river. The three-hour devotion at St Helen’s, conducted by the Vicar, the Rev. C. S. Fleet, was well attended. Free Church services were held at the Primitive Methodist Chapel, led by Mr C. J. Lipscombe (Baptist). The traditional eating of hot cross buns was widely observed, and many children enjoyed taking their tea outdoors.

Easter morning was cooler, with rain setting in from midday until nightfall, though all the churches held special services.

Easter Monday returned to warmer conditions. Many football enthusiasts travelled to Reading to see the home side play Bristol Rovers in a return match. The Abbey House grounds were opened to the public in the afternoon, where the Wimbledon Band of the Salvation Army gave a well-received performance. The Abingdon Bowling Club marked the start of its season with a match between Saturday and Thursday players. In the evening, a dance organised by the Men’s Constitutional Association was held at the Corn Exchange.

Girls’ Club Singing

A lecture on choral singing was given at the Roysse Room to the Girls’ Club by Miss Nettleship, who is well known in Women’s Institute and musical circles. She illustrated her talk with a selection of folk songs, and her enthusiasm was quickly taken up by the girls.

They sang heartily, in unison, such favourites as Annie Laurie, The Poacher, and Strawberry Fair, along with many others. Miss Nettleship also taught the group a couple of rounds and a sea shanty, adding variety and enjoyment to the session.

Congregational Church Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the Congregational Church was held in the schoolroom. The Sunday School secretary reported that there were 90 children on the books, with a regular attendance of around 75. There were ten teachers, though more were still needed.

The Ladies’ Working Group continued to meet weekly and was said to be carrying out useful and important work. The Girls’ Life Brigade had 12 members, while the Boys’ Life Brigade numbered 11.

Reports were also received from the choir and the piano sub-committee, which had been organising a monthly recital. Appreciation was expressed to the Rev. W. J. Chappell, who had just completed his first year at the church.

Overall, attendance was reported to have remained more or less steady.

St George’s Day Rally

The annual rally of Scouts in celebration of St George’s Day was held in the Abbey House grounds on Sunday by the Scouts, Rovers, and Wolf Cubs of the North Berks (Abingdon) Local Association. There are eight troops and eight packs in the association, and up to 30 September of last year the number of Scouts in the area was 239.

St George is the patron saint of the Baden-Powell Boy Scouts.

A large number of Girl Guides, Brownies, and Rangers were also present. The aim of the movement is, in a word, to develop character and to encourage happy, healthy, and useful citizens. Service is particularly the aim of the Rover and Ranger branches.

Application Under the New Marriage Law

At Banbury last Thursday, John Gerald Phillips, a minor residing at Adderbury, applied to the Oxfordshire justices for permission to marry Nelly Purbrick of Abingdon under the new marriage law, which allows the court to grant consent where it has been refused.

The application was opposed by his parents, Mr and Mrs Gerald Phillips of Frilford, who argued that the marriage would not bring their only son happiness, citing differences in social position. They said that the young woman had previously been in their service as a parlour maid.

Phillips told the bench that he was in love with the girl and honestly desired to marry her, and the application was granted by a majority.

A Fish Fracas in Ock Street

At the Borough Bench, before the Mayor, Mr J. D. Godfrey, Edward Lee was summoned for using bad language outside a fish shop in Ock Street.

Fishmonger Aubrey Belcher said Lee returned some fish around 10.20 p.m., complaining it was “badly crushed.” Although he was given his money back, he then began using “obscene language” and interfering with customers, in the hearing of “nine or ten men and women.”

A witness, John Joseph Gent, said he told Lee to “clear off before he got into trouble,” but was met with further abuse. He added that he took Lee by the arm and led him away, again telling him to “clear off.”

Lee, a labourer, admitted he “said a few words he ought not to,” but denied the extent of the language reported. He told the court he had challenged the shopkeeper, asking, “Why do you not serve lads the same as you serve grown-up people?” and, when threatened with the police, replied he “did not trouble if he got twenty policemen as long as I had my rights.” He also claimed the encounter ended amicably: “we shook hands… and I went home and never thought any more about it.”

The Bench disagreed, fining him 12s. 6d., including costs, remarking that bad language was “all too prevalent in Abingdon” and that men of his age should “set a better example.”

Abingdon Wesleyans’ Sale of Work

A successful sale of work in aid of church funds was held in the schoolroom of Trinity Wesleyan Church on Thursday afternoon. A wide variety of articles was displayed across a number of stalls, including those run by the Sewing Meeting, the china stall, a miscellaneous stall, an art stall, and a young people’s stall. Refreshments were also available.

The event was opened by the Mayor of Abingdon, Mr J. D. Godfrey, who remarked that the goods on sale represented many hours of careful labour, and expressed the hope that the proceeds would provide a fitting return for the church’s funds.

Pavlova Win Reading Cup

The final of the Reading Town Cup was played at the Abingdon Town Sports Club ground on Saturday afternoon between Caversham Rovers and Abingdon Pavlova.

After a closely contested match, Abingdon Pavlova secured a 2–1 victory, with goals from Winter and Woodley. This marks the third consecutive year that Pavlova have won the cup.

Darts and Shove-Halfpenny Matches

Twelve-a-side matches were held on Monday evening in the Assembly Room, Station Yard, between teams from the Railway Inn and the Air Balloon, Queen Street, Oxford.

Both the darts and shove-halfpenny contests resulted in comfortable victories for the Oxford side. Following the games, the evening concluded with an impromptu concert.

Acknowledgements

Thanks to the North Berks Herald microfilm in Abingdon Library for stories, and to the Oxford Journal in Oxford Library for the pictures. Thanks are also due to the British Newspaper Archive for access to the Faringdon Advertiser and Vale of the White Horse Gazette.

The cross of St George has been flying above Abingdon County Hall Museum over the past two days, marking St George’s Day (23rd April) and its place in the civic year.

The flag itself, a simple red cross on a white background, carries centuries of tradition. The St George’s flag originated in the Middle Ages and became associated with Saint George, a soldier-saint venerated across Europe. English soldiers began using the red cross as a distinguishing emblem during the Crusades, and by the 13th century it had become a national symbol .

Abingdon has a practice of marking particular days by changing the flag on the Hall, and St George’s Day is one occasion when the St George flag is raised. It will probably appear again during the world cup which starts for England on June 17th when England play Croatia in Dallas.

AA Road Information 

Abingdon – Dorchester. Poor to Culham, then good. Abingdon Bridge closed to heavy traffic (A.A. Loopway signs in place).

Rowstock Sensation – Grievous Bodily Harm and Attempted Suicide

There was considerable interest by the general public, who filled the public portion of the Guildhall, Abingdon, and waited outside in large numbers to get a glimpse of the principal parties in the recent sensation at Rowstock. A Steventon labourer, Albert William Tyrrell, was charged with causing grievous bodily harm to 65-year-old Mrs. Mary Denton and attempting suicide. Mrs. Denton said Tyrrell visited her cottage before returning the next morning, forcing entry. He then attacked her, choking her, forcing a cloth into her mouth, striking her, and beating her with a poker while demanding money. A nearby off-duty police constable heard her screams and, after tending to her, found Tyrrell nearby with a throat wound. Tyrrell was committed for trial at the Quarter Sessions.

“More or Enough? Guardians Consider Workhouse Inmates’ Diet”

The Master (Mr. H. Smith) reported with regard to a Government inspector’s report recommending changes to the inmates’ diet. The Housing and Visiting Committee proposed some alterations, including the substitution of rice pudding for boiled rice and the provision of additional fats for children.

Mr. Tatham questioned the Master and suggested that the report be referred back for more detailed consideration. The Master, however, stated that while the full proposals might amount to £250 per year, the committee had not been guided solely by cost. They had already given it careful consideration (for an hour), and they concluded that, apart from the suggested alterations, the existing diet was sufficient, and the inmates were well provided for.

Abingdon unlucky at Cowley — Disputed goal decides

Abingdon Town visited Cowley and were defeated 3–2 in windy weather. Owing to illness, Abingdon were compelled to field a weakened side and to reshuffle their players.

The game opened fast, with Town attacking, and North gave them the lead with a fine cross-shot. Morris Motors equalised through a defensive blunder by the Town defence. The homesters’ goalkeeper was prominent with several good saves, but was eventually beaten by Pratley, who again put Town ahead. Morris Motors, however, drew level just on half-time.

During the second half Ellis was very unlucky. Just before the close the homesters scored the winning goal, but this appeared to be a bad decision by the referee, as the scorer was yards offside and, much to the surprise of both teams, the goal was allowed to stand.

Abingdon School Athletic Meeting

The annual athletic contests between Abingdon School and the Old Abingdonians Club took place on Saturday afternoon on the school ground. Events included: 100 yards, high jump, quarter mile, half mile, hurdles, long jump, throwing the weight, and relay race.

Death of an Old Abingdonian

We regret to record the death of Mr. Charles Badcock, of 66 West St Helen Street. The deceased, who was 67 years of age, was for nine and a half years in the Royal Berks Regiment and served in the Afghan War. Subsequently, he was for over 26 years a member of the Metropolitan Police force, and for 15 years he was gatekeeper at the Natural History Museum, South Kensington. His death, suddenly from heart failure at his son-in-law’s house on Saturday week, came as a shock to his wide circle of friends. Much sympathy is extended to the widow and family of the deceased, who was twice married. The funeral took place at the cemetery on Saturday.

Riotous behaviour in Churchyard

J. Carter, Bernard Evans, Harry Linnigar, and Joe Gerring, all of Sutton Courtenay, were summoned at the Abingdon County Bench for riotous behaviour in the churchyard of Sutton Courtenay Parish Church on the 21st February. PC Newman stated that, following complaints from the church council, he kept observation on the church during the evening service at 6:20 p.m. The four defendants went to a church window, pressed their faces against the glass, and shouted, disturbing those inside.

He watched them for about ten minutes before approaching. The defendants ran off shouting, but he caught them and told them they would be reported.

The Rev. Rendall said the congregation had been disturbed on several Sundays by loud talking outside. The church council instructed the constable to make enquiries to identify the offenders. Rev. Rendall hoped the magistrates would deal with it leniently. They were found guilty and fined 5s each.

Permission to marry as a minor

A novel application was made to the County Justices at Banbury last Thursday morning when a young man, 20 years of age, asked permission of the Bench to marry as a minor. He said he was five months under 21, and both his parents objected to his marriage. His fiancée, who lived at Abingdon, had obtained the consent of her parents. The Bench, on the advice of the Clerk (Mr. E. L. Fisher), adjourned the application for a fortnight in order that the parents on both sides could attend, and notice would be sent to them accordingly.

Where the short skirt is dangerous (taken from the ‘Matters that Interest Women’ section of the North Berks Herald)

Let us hope that any women readers who intend to spend Easter abroad will look into the laws of the country to be visited concerning the matter of dress before they visit it. In some cases they must not take short skirts if they would escape the law, and so any sewing that is to be done must be carried out with a view to local conditions rather than English fashion. A girl has just been arrested in Athens because her skirt was 15 in. from the ground; that is, 1½ in. shorter than the recent law permitted. She was taken to a police court, tried immediately, and remanded in custody for 24 hours. The story has its moral. The knee-length skirt which many Englishwomen fancy is a short cut to imprisonment in many foreign lands.

Abingdon Cottage Hospital: more patients, fewer subscriptions

The annual report recorded 113 patients treated during the year, an increase of 29, with an average of seven per day. Outpatients rose to 293 (up 60), with 2,755 attendances, an increase of 497. The district nurse made 765 visits to 52 patients.

Several serious accidents were treated. Subscriptions and donations had decreased, while expenditure had risen, particularly for extra nursing. Additional costs included night nursing, women sitting up with patients, and a bicycle for district work.

Acknowledgements

Thanks are due to the British Newspaper Archive for access to the Faringdon Advertiser and Vale of the White Horse Gazette.

Additional thanks to the North Berks Herald Library microfilm in the Abingdon Library for stories and the Oxford Journal in Oxford Library for the picture of the athletics and the bridge.

Abingdon Borough Council Meeting

At a meeting of Abingdon Borough Council held on 10 February 1926, the Town Clerk was instructed to write to the Automobile Association to seek its views on the proposed introduction of a ten-mile-per-hour speed limit in the centre of the town.

It was agreed that statutory notices should be served on householders requiring them to provide proper sanitary dustbins within ten days. Those who failed to comply would be required to pay for bins supplied by the Corporation.

Alderman Preston reported difficulty in locating certain old documents belonging to the Corporation. As a result, he advised that parish maps currently held at St Helen’s Church should be taken into formal custody.

Several items of expenditure were approved. Repairs to the floor of the Council Chamber had cost £102 19s 0d, while decorating and wiring part of the Guildhall, together with the installation of additional light fittings, was estimated to cost a further £120.

The Council approved a motion recommending to the Royal Commission on Mining that the use of pit ponies should be discontinued.

A motion was carried expressing the Council’s view that the refusal by the Master and Governors of Christ’s Hospital to allow organised school games in Albert Park was not in the best interests of the town.

Kindly Deed

A lad from the Baptist Sunday School, who has been in bad health for some time and has been treated in the local Cottage Hospital and is now beginning to recover, is being sent to the Sunday School Union Convalescent Home at Bournemouth for a month. On its becoming known that he was going away to the sea, the Sunday School children subscribed among themselves a few shillings to be sent to him as pocket-money during his stay.

Northcourt Women’s Institute

The monthly meeting was held in the Northcourt Hut on Wednesday afternoon, when Mrs Squire, of Milton Hill, gave a very interesting lecture on Switzerland. After tea and business at the market stall, all the ladies and guests were entertained by a short play and a costume song from the Mothers’ Welfare Centre, which were greatly appreciated.

B.B.C. Blacklists Abingdon

Wireless enthusiasts will be interested to learn that the B.B.C. have officially put Abingdon on the ‘Black List’ of neighbourhoods with serious wireless interference caused by faulty or badly adjusted receiving sets. We hope this will be a warning to those who make the nights hideous by howls from mis-handled valve sets. If they do not know how to keep their sets from squealing, they should consult an expert or write to the B.B.C. for the free pamphlet on the subject.

Police Superintendent to retire

After twenty-two years’ service as Police Superintendent of the Abingdon Division, Mr W. T. Foster retires at the end of March. During that time he has earned the respect of all with whom he has come into contact. Even wrongdoers have learnt to acknowledge his charitable disposition, since he was ever ready to put in a good word for men whenever it was possible. Unfortunately, Mr Foster has not enjoyed very good health for some time, but it is hoped that on relinquishing his duties he will recover and enjoy for many years his well-earned leisure. Under his leadership, the police of Abingdon have won for themselves a reputation for fair dealing and do not go out of their way to seek trouble.

Magic, Music and Mystery

The Corn Exchange was well filled on each of the three evenings when an entertaining programme of Magic, Music and Mystery was presented in aid of the Abingdon Church Hall Building Fund, and the National Children’s Home and Orphanage.

The programme opened with a series of magical problems by Mr Chivers, which were cleverly executed and well received. This was followed by musical selections from several singers, the first being Miss D. S. Hall, who rendered “Sing, Sing, Red Sun”.

Further feats of illusion were then introduced by Mr Chivers, including “Diogenes and His Tub,” “The Artist’s Dream,” and “Bluebeard’s Last Wife,” all of which showed considerable ingenuity. Additional vocal items followed, maintaining the musical variety of the programme.

The final section consisted of so-called spirit manifestations. Before commencing this part of the entertainment, Mr Chivers informed the audience that everything would be accomplished by sheer trickery. Nevertheless, features such as “The Dancing Table” aroused considerable interest and provided a striking conclusion to the evening.

Borough Bench – Tuesday

Before the Mayor (Mr J. D. Godfrey), Messrs J. N. Paul and M. T. Tatham.

Wrong Licence

John Wade Coxeter, from Oxford, was summoned for using a motor-car in Abingdon for purposes other than those for which it was licensed.

P.C. Shuff stated that at 9.30 p.m. on the day in question he saw a motor-car, driven by the defendant and carrying three passengers — two ladies and a gentleman — arrive at a dance at the Guildhall. The witness saw that the defendant had a limited trade licence (allowing the car to be driven only for business purposes). The defendant said, “I know I am wrong, but I could not get my other car, which is properly licensed, to start, and I had agreed to bring the ladies to the dance with this man and so chanced being stopped.”

A Dog With Two Homes

Christopher Hatherall, of Denchworth, near Wantage, was fined 5s for allowing his dog to stray in Abingdon without having the owner’s name and address on the collar. The defendant pleaded guilty and said his dog had two homes, one at Wantage Road Station and the other at Denchworth, and as he was not at one he thought he must be at the other. He did not report to the police the dog was missing until he was told the dog was at Abingdon.

Football

Abingdon Town 6 – Reading B.W.I. 6

This high-scoring game took place before a handful of spectators in the Culham Road enclosure. The Town forwards, who gave a greatly improved display, were let down by the defence. In two instances goals were practically given away. Another goal could be traced to weak goalkeeping. The Town deserved both points but had to be content with one. The Town goals were scored by North (3), S. Crook (2), and T. Pratley.

Witney 2 – Abingdon Pavlova 2

Abingdon Pavlova nearly broke Witney’s record of being one of the unbeaten teams in the League, and a fine and exciting game was witnessed by a fairly good crowd.

Acknowledgements

Thanks are due to Selections from the Municipal Records of the Borough of Abingdon by Liversidge in Abingdon Library.

Additional thanks to the North Berks Herald Library microfilm in the Abingdon Library for stories and the adverts. The picture of Ely Brothers came from the Abingdon Directory. Thanks to Chat GPT AI for making some adverts less grainy.