COUNTY BENCH — On Saturday, a Children’s Court session was convened with Messrs. W. Docker Drysdale, M. T. Tatham, and F. H. Green presiding. Two Abingdon schoolboys, aged 11 and 9, were summoned for the theft of hen’s eggs valued at 2 shillings and 2 pence. This incident occurred on June 18th, when the eggs, property of Charles Caudwell, a farmer from Drayton in the parish of Sutton Wick, were stolen from a henhouse in a field. Each of the boys was fined 5 shillings and granted one week for payment.
Caldecott House Arrangements — The spacious residence and grounds of Caldecott House in Abingdon, previously inhabited by Captain and Mrs. Hugh Bailie, and his father, Major-General Bailie, J.P., have been leased for a year to Captain and Mrs. Cecil Stafford. Captain Bailie has rejoined his battalion at Shorncliffe on completing his adjutancy at Cowley Barracks.
PASSING OF PROMINENT ABINGDON RESIDENT — The demise of Mr. Walter Ballard, a member of a longstanding Abingdon family, occurred in St. Leonard’s-on-Sea. His funeral took place last week. About 38 years ago, Mr. Ballard was a member of the Abingdon Town Council, while his father served as an Alderman and was elected Mayor of Abingdon seven times. Despite living away from Abingdon in his retirement, he maintained property interests in the town and remained a governor of Christ Hospital in Abingdon until his passing. Widely known as Major Ballard, he held the rank of Major as a retired officer of the Volunteers. The funeral was held at Abingdon Cemetery on Friday afternoon.
LOCAL BOWLS COMPETITION: In the semi-final round of the County Double Bowling Championship, Abingdon defeated Caversham, advancing to the final where they face either Newbury or Prospect Park, Reading.
BOROUGH POLICE COURT SESSION: Before M. T. Tatham and J. Rickets. A case was summoned involving a charge related to assault by George Simpson, labourer, of 5 Thames Street, Abingdon on Christina Triggs of the same Street on July 20th. The evidence revealed there was a squabble, and both parties were ordered to pay the legal costs, the case being dismissed.
PROPERTY AUCTIONS AND SALES: Local auctioneers (Messrs. Adkin, Belcher, and Bowen) have successfully concluded public auctions involving the following properties and shares: A property containing photographic facilities, including a studio and a dwelling house on High Street, Abingdon, sold as a going concern, was acquired by Mr. William C. Witham for £1,200. A semi-detached villa residence on Park Road, with an annual rental income of £34 and a long leasehold from Christ’s Hospital, was purchased by Mr. G. Dixon for £490. A dwelling house on Exbourne Road, rented at 7 shillings per week, changed hands for £250. Additionally, a house on Edward Street, rented at 5 shillings and 9 pence per week, was bought for £170. Regarding the shares in Abingdon Gas Company, there were 54 original “A” shares, each valued at £12 10s. and fully paid, along with accruing dividends from December 30th of the previous year. These shares were sold for £20 10s to £21 per share. Furthermore, 10 “B” shares of the same value and payment status were sold at £16 per share.
SUMMER FESTIVITIES: Many individuals visited the Wantage Fete or Sutton Regatta. There was also a large influx of visitors to Abingdon by steamers, charabancs, buses &c.
CARE FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED: In adherence to the provisions of the recently enacted Blind Person’s Act, the blind community within the rural deanery of Abingdon is now receiving support from the Berkshire County Blind Society. Mrs. M.T. Tatham at Northcourt House in Abingdon, has been appointed as the representative to oversee the welfare of these individuals.
BOROUGH COURT SESSION. Presided by Mr. F. J. Downing and Councillor H. T. Clarke.
**USE OF OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE:** Annie Stone, a resident of Ock Street, Abingdon, pleaded guilty to using offensive language. She was addressed with a caution and subsequently discharged.
**INTOXICATION AND DISORDERLY CONDUCT:** Thomas Hart, a laborer residing on West St. Helen Street, Abingdon, was summoned for being intoxicated in a public street. The defendant admitted guilt and was fined 10 shillings.
ABINGDON. WESLEYAN SUNDAY SCHOOL OUTING: The students from the Abingdon Trinity Wesleyan Sunday School had a delightful summer outing on Thursday as part of their annual treat. The scholars and teachers embarked on a rail journey to Blenheim Park.
MUSIC ACHIEVEMENTS: Margaret Sharp and Verity Norman Morland from Abingdon, both students of Miss Couldrey at Ock House School, Abingdon, have achieved notable success in music. Margaret Sharp passed the Higher Division examination, and Verity Norman Morland excelled in the Elementary Division during the recent examination conducted by the Associated Board of the Royal College of Music (R.C.M.) and the Royal Academy of Music (R.A.M.).
ABINGDON FLOWER SHOW: A SPECTACULAR DISPLAY
This year’s annual flower show and fete organized by the Abingdon Horticultural Society took place without the usual charm of being held in the idyllic and scenic local grounds. Unfortunately, neither of the usual grounds was available this year due to changes in ownership or other circumstances. With the recent acquisition of the historic Abbey House and its grounds by the Abingdon Corporation, there is hope for a permanent venue for the Society’s show.
Consequently, this year’s event was hosted in a meadow situated near the river and Abingdon Bridge, adjacent to “The Rookery.” The weather was pleasant, and although not as scorching as the heatwaves we’ve experienced, it provided a much cooler and comfortable atmosphere. Despite the recent drought, the display of horticultural and garden produce remained substantial and of excellent quality.
A highlight was the dedicated floral tent, showcasing splendid specimens for both non-competitive and competitive exhibitions. The vegetable section within the “Cottagers’ Class” was particularly impressive, showcasing the efforts of allotment holders.
This year’s show also featured a variety of side attractions, including a demonstration by the local fire brigade, wireless technology displays, concerts, dancing, bowling and guessing competitions, cake-making, sports for school children, open tug-of-war competitions, roundabouts, and other fair-related activities.
The musical accompaniment was provided by the Swindon Town Military Band. Their remarkable skills were evident throughout a diverse and extensive performance, much appreciated by all the visitors on the show ground.
THE TOWN BAND: The Abingdon Town Band, which is participating in the Band Competition in Oxford next Saturday, performed a selection of music on Sunday evening at the “Nag’s Head” Meadow near Abingdon Bridge. The performance was open to the public, and a collection was taken.
NARROW ESCAPE: A boy from The Vineyard Lodging House in Abingdon narrowly avoided a serious accident on Sunday morning. While running from the house into the street, he collided with the mudguard of a motor car, fortunately escaping with only minor bruises.
NEW TOWN CLERK: Mr. W. Carlyle Croasdell, a barrister-at-law, previously advising the Metropolitan Borough Council of Camberwell in local government matters, has assumed the role of Town Clerk for Abingdon. During a recent Town Council meeting, Mr. Croasdell was welcomed by the Mayor, who expressed hopes for a positive and lasting association.
THE ABBEY HOUSE: The acquisition of the beautiful Abbey House and its historic grounds by the Abingdon Corporation has been successfully completed. The vendors, the family of the late Bishop of Reading, have received appreciation from the Town Council for allowing the property’s purchase on favorable terms. In response, Mr Randall and his sisters (the Misses Randall) conveyed their hope that the purchase would bring benefits to the town.
STREET LIGHTING: The street lamps of Abingdon Borough, which were not lit during the summer months, are scheduled to be re-lit on September 2nd.
NORTH BERKS AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY SHOW: The preparations for this popular event are well underway. It is scheduled to be held at the Abbey Grounds on the 13th of September, with the kind permission of General E. F. Cooper. The event boasts prizes totalling over £500, along with several trophies.
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