NORTH BERKS AGRICULTURAL SHOW – By rotation, this year’s Society show will be held in Abingdon, on a formal invitation from the Abingdon Corporation. This has been done, and the show will be held in Abingdon in September next.

THE OFFICE OF TOWN CLERK – The vacancy in the office of town clerk of Abingdon, consequent on the present Town Clerk’s resignation, is to be advertised. The terms are that he shall reside in Abingdon, the offices to be provided by the Corporation, and the salary to be £350.

BRITISH LEGION – On Monday evening, the Mayor presided at a well-attended meeting in the Roysse Room, Borough Buildings, held to reorganize the local branch of the British Legion.

CHOIR ROBES SUPPLIED — St. Helen’s Church choir boys have been supplied with new choir robes through the efforts of Mr. Morris of Clock House and other church workers. The material was bought from the Hawkins Trust fund, which provides church necessities.

COUNTY BENCH — On Monday, before Messrs. W. Docker Drysdale, W. Hayes, and E. Green, John Wigley of Church Street, Didcot, was fined for not having collars on two dogs bearing the name and address of the owner.

FREE CHURCH SERVICE — At the Free Church’s midweek service last week, Rev. C. H. Gill, pastor of the Congregation Church, was the speaker. Rev J. P. Morris, Baptist Minister, took the opportunity to express gratitude for his work at the Free Church services and to wish Mr and Mrs Gill success in their work at Morley.

DEMONSTRATION FAILS — having recently acquired a new pump, Abingdon Fire Brigade invited the townspeople to witness a demonstration of its powers in the Nag’s Head Meadows near Abingdon Bridge on Wednesday night. The Mayor and Mayoress attended, and there were many interested townspeople. However, the pump trial was unsuccessful as it could only draw in the water but not eject it. Every effort was made to get it to work but without avail. Therefore, the planned demonstration had to be postponed.

THE LATE MR. GIBBENS – The death of Mr Joseph Gibbens, of the firm Gibbens & Son, saddlers and harness makers, Broad Street, occurred on Tuesday morning at his residence. He collapsed suddenly after talking to his son and passed away. He had been in poor health for some time and had been attended by Dr Challenor. He was a staunch churchman and a well-respected member of the local Conservative Party. He served on the Executive Committee of the North Berks Association. He was 76 years old.

AN ADDER, 28 inches in length and over three inches in girth, claimed to be a record in this country, has been killed near Abingdon.

MR. AND MRS. JOSEPH JAMES, of Abingdon, have celebrated their golden wedding. They are both receiving the old-age pension. Mr James worked in the building trade for 60 years, and his wife worked for many years in Mssrs Clarke’s clothing factory.

PERCY SOWLES, the landlord of the “White Hart,” Faringdon, has been fined £5 for giving a drink to a constable while on duty. The constable found a window open after midnight at the hotel and called attention to it. He was asked inside, and the defendant invited him to have a glass of ginger wine.

MAINTENANCE ARREARS: James Pugh, whose address was given in Abingdon and who was described as a professional footballer playing with Manchester United last season, was summoned at Abertillery Police Court, Monmouthshire, on Wednesday, in respect of his maintenance arrears due to his wife, Ivy Valetta. The Magistrates’ Clerk said that the defendant had written him a letter stating that he was out of work but expecting to get employment at any time now, promising that if his wife waited awhile, he would wipe out the arrears and keep up his payments.

BAKERS AND CONFECTIONERS’ ASSOCIATION. At the recent election of members of the Association of Master Bakers and Confectioners, Mr G. F. Palmer, of Stert St., Abingdon, was again elected on the roll of the Association. Mr Palmer has been a member of the Board of Guardians for over sixteen years.

The Abingdon district of the Pearl Assurance Company Limited successfully won the challenge cup for the best branch increase in 1922. Abingdon district won the prize by an increase of £1,586 8s. 10d., with High Wycombe being second with an increase of £1,390 10s. 1d.

BOROUGH BENCH. William J. Ruddock and Sarah Ruddock, husband and wife, fishmongers of Ock Street, were summoned for assaulting James Hemmings, cycle dealer, 125 Ock Street. The case arose out of a quarrel concerning tales about Mrs Ruddock. During an argument, Ruddock struck Hemmings. Mr Murphy, a solicitor, appeared for the complainant, and Mr A. Walsh for the defendants. The bench dismissed the summons against Mrs Ruddock and fined her husband 10s. and 7s.6d. costs.

ABINGDON. SKIFF REGATTA.—Arrangements have been now made sufficient to issue a list of the events for the Abingdon skiff under the rules of the A.R.A. and B.R.A. on Saturday, July 14th. Sir Mortimer Singer, K.B.E., J.P., of Milton Hill, is the patron, and the Mayor of Abingdon is the president. There are ten events, and Mr F. Stevens, Radley Road, is the secretary. A concert party and a band are included in the programme.

Thank you for the news extracts and adverts in the British Newspaper Archive from the Oxford Chronicle and Reading Gazette, North Wilts Herald, Berks and Oxon Advertiser.

MG cars have been a part of British motoring for 100 years, and Abingdon played a big role in the marque’s history. Today, a number of MG Vintage and MG Triple M cars were on display in Abingdon Market Place as part of the MG100 celebrations.

The MG marque was founded in 1923 by Cecil Kimber. The first MG car, the MG Midget, was produced in 1924. MGs were built in Abingdon from 1928 to 1980.

There will be a larger event for all MGs at Silverstone from 10th – 11th June.

For more information about the MG100 celebrations please visit the MGCC website www.mgcc.co.uk/mg100/.

Thank you to Martin Wackenier for the pictures.

DROWNING. About nine o’clock on Thursday evening, several young men were walking along the towpath on the Oxfordshire side of the river when one noticed something pass in the centre of the water. He called Mr F T Buckle of 55, East St Helen Street, assistant to Mr Bottrell, who was on the landing stage and rowed out and recovered the body of a boy named Arthur Bevis of No 1 , Court 7, West St Helen Street. Artificial respiration was tried by a number of willing volunteers for about an hour and a half. Dr Scott, however, pronounced life to be extinct. An inquest will be held.

BOROUGH POLICE COURT. Four Abingdon lads, Bert Taylor, Sidney Elleton, Frank Carter, and Daniel Dix of West St. Helen Street, were summoned for playing football in the street on April 26th. Each pleaded guilty and was discharged with a caution.

FOOTBALL. On Saturday, the Abingdon Minors met Wantage on the R.A.F. ground in Milton in the final of the North Berks League, and were victorious, winning by four goals to nil. The Abingdon Church School team played Northbourne at Radley on Saturday in the final of the Berks Elementary Schools League. The Abingdon boys lost by one goal to nil.

DISTRICT NURSING.—The Abingdon District Nursing Association will be affiliated with the Berks County Nursing Association, providing increased benefits. Two nurses from the Queen Victoria’s Jubilee Institute will be working with the local association, which has now been formed on a Provident Society basis for sick nursing benefits.

MAY FAIR.—The May Fair was held on Monday, giving the Market Place the appearance of the Michaelmas Fair, with roundabouts and other attractions. The fair closed by order at 11 p.m.

CRICKET SEASON.—The Abingdon Cricket Club commenced the season on Saturday when they hosted St. Edmund’s Hall, Oxford. After declaring for nine wickets, the town team lost by two runs.

BAPTIST CHURCH.—The recent rummage sale held on behalf of the Church Renovation Fund raised £15 8s. 9d.

GOLF CLUB.—The Abingdon Golf Club, with links at Shippon, has been honored with the presentation of two challenge cups by the new Abingdon alderman, Mr. A. E. Preston. One of the challenge cups dates back to George III (1815) and is a handsome fluted cup. The gifts are highly appreciated by the members.

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.—The annual meeting of the congregation of this church was held in the schoolroom, The Square, Abingdon, on Thursday evening, with the minister (Rev. C. H. Gill) presiding. The meeting was preceded by a tea. The report of the Ladies’ Working Party, given by Miss E. Cox, and the report of the Sunday School work, by Mr. W. P. Gillingham, testified to activity and success. The report of the London Missionary Society showed that £16 19s. 6d. had been subscribed. The financial statement by Messrs. J. H. Gillingham and J. A. Greenwood showed an increase in the weekly collections. Mr. Greenwood (church secretary) mentioned that their pastor (Rev. C. H. Gill) had received an invitation to the pastorate of Morley Congregational Church, which the reverend gentleman then accepted.

EARL OF ABINGDON. The Earl of Abingdon, High Steward of Abingdon and heir presumptive to the Earl Lindsey, will receive many congratulations on Sunday when he will attain his 86th birthday, which will be spent at his Oxfordshire residence, Wytham Abbey. The founder of his family was Sir Henry Norris, who was created Lord Norreys by Queen Elizabeth for his services as British Ambassador to France from 1572 until 1597. Lord Abingdon, despite his many years, is very active and makes frequent visits to London during the season.

ABINGDON. MUNICIPAL ELECTION.—The vacancy on the Town Council has been caused by the elevation to the bench of Councillor A. E. Preston. There was only one nomination – Mr. A. E. Woodley of 33 Bostock Road, Abingdon, who is accordingly elected. Mr. Woodley belongs to the Berks and Bucks Football Association and is also the treasurer of the local branch of the Y.M.C.A.

WHITSUNTIDE. Whitsuntide was duly observed on Sunday at the churches of St. Helen, St. Michael, and St. Nicolas, each of which was tastefully decorated. There was a large number of communicants at the several early celebrations of the Holy Communion. The preachers during the day were the parochial clergy.

CONCERT AT THE UNION. A splendid program of music, etc., was given at the Abingdon Union to the inmates on Wednesday last. The concert was arranged by Mr. J. Sandalls, an old member and humorous entertainer at the Abingdon YM Social Club and popular concerts of the past. On this occasion, he was assisted by Misses Ivy Page, May Sandells, A. Broughton, E. Spiles, and W. Howard, as well as gentlemen performers. Miss Williams presided at the piano.

RACING SUCCESS. The first race of the Abingdon Flying Club, under the rules of the National Homing Club (PIgeons), was held this month. From a race flown from Salisbury, Mr. J. Hemming of Ock Street secured first place with a velocity of 994 yards per minute, and the third place at 979 yards. The second place was secured by Mr. A. H. Dockarty’s bird at 966 yards. The following week, in a race flown from Bournemouth, Mr. Hemming secured first and second places, with velocities of 1,004 and 1,092 yards per minute, respectively.

FOOTBALL. NORTH BERKS FOOTBALL WINNERS. Here is a list of the winners in various North Berks football competitions last season:

Berks and Bucks Mid-Week Cup: Reading Wanderers
North Berks Junior Cup: Abingdon Juniors
North Berks Charity Shield: Didcot R.A.O.C.
North Berks Memorial Cup: Wallingford Minors
North Berks League Division I: Abingdon Town
North Berks Junior League: Jointly held by Drayton and Childrey
North Berks Minor League: Abingdon
Abingdon and District Schools Cup: Abingdon Church of England School
Abingdon and District Schools Shield: Northbourne School

The Borough Council decided that a sum not exceeding £300 should be lent to the Fire Brigade to complete the purchase of the new fire pump which has been under trial.

The Borough Council resolved that the Governors of Christ’s Hospital be informed that the idea of taking over the Park and Park Roads did not commend itself to the Council.

The Railway Company to be asked to control the nuisance caused by mud and dust being carried from the Station Yard into Stert Street.

The vacancy for the Town Clerkship to be advertised at a salary of £300 per annum with offices supplied by the Corporation. Applicants to be qualified solicitors who can engage in private practice if it does not interfere with official duties

Thank you for the news extracts and adverts from the Oxford Chronicle and Reading Gazette in the British Newspaper Archive. Thanks to Chat GPT for removing some errors from the text generated from the newspaper archive. Council news is from Liversidge’s Borough Council records. The picture of the New Fire Pump in 1923 is from The Abingdon Fire Service by John Hooke.

The Abingdon Cottage Hospital is organising an “Egg Day” on Monday next, April 9th, when friends are asked to contribute a gift of eggs for preserving.

The Cattle Market was held on Tuesday this week instead of Easter Monday. The supplies were short.

The Mayor and Corporation attended St Helen’s Church, Abingdon, at the Easter Sunday morning service — an ancient custom.

The number of communicants at the three churches on Easter Sunday was as follows: St. Helen’s, 280; St Michael’s, 300; St. Nicolas, 138; total, 718. The offertories to vicar were. St. Helen’s, £61 6s 7d. (a decrease from last year of £7 12s 7d); St. Michael’s, £44 18s. 6d.; St. Nicolas, £13 5s.)

On Easter Monday at Abingdon, there were no organised sports, but there were many visitors by boat, motors and busses. The Abingdon Park Bowling Club commenced its season’s play.

NORTH BERKS AGRICULTURAL SHOW — At a recent meeting of the Society, it was decided that the next show should be held at Abingdon this year on September 13th. Sir Mortimer Singer, K.B.E., is to be invited to act as the president of the Society.

Two interesting football matches at Abingdon on Easter Monday drew a large crowd of spectators on the Town ground. The first was Abingdon Town v. East Hendred in the North Berks League, the home team winning 7-1. This match was followed by Wallingford Minors v. Hendred Minors in the final of the North Berks War Memorial Cup, of which Wallingford was the holder. The Wallingford team were successful in still holding the cup by 4-1.

The NORTHCOURT HUT. The 2nd Abingdon Girl Guides’ Hut was opened by MR M. T. Tatham, and a very enjoyable evening was spent. The efforts of the Butterfly POM Concert Party were much appreciated.

At the monthly meeting of the Abingdon Farmers Union branch, held at the Lion Hotel, Abingdon, on Wednesday evening, Mr F. W. Turner presided. A letter was read from the Ministry of Agriculture suggesting representatives of employers and employees should have a free hand in settling disputes. The North Berks Committee, however, were of the opinion that it would be useless to have another meeting, as the agricultural labourers would not entertain any wages under 30s Per week, which, it was stated, the farmers found it impossible to pay.

At the County Bench, Robert Brind, a respectable young man, described as a labourer of Spring Road, Abingdon, was summoned on five different charges of theft. The prisoner was sent for trial at the next Quarter’s Sessions. The prisoner served with the Territorials in the late war and had suffered from shell shock.

At the borough police court on Thursday, Frederick Johnson, a pedlar of no fixed abode, was fined 10s for being drunk and incapable in Queen Street the previous evening. The constable said the prisoner was helplessly drunk.

The Abingdon Primitive Methodists received a visit from the Rev B Sage of Reading. He was the preacher of a special service on Thursday evening. He gave a very lucid address on ‘Oliver Cromwell’. Mr T Leach presided.

A team from the Queen’s Hotel, Abingdon, visited the Lamb Hotel on ‘Thursday evening (the 12th inst.) to play a local team at Russian Pool. The event took place in the Hotel Billiard Room, with a good attendance to witness it. After some excellent play on both sides, Abingdon was successful in winning three games to two.

On Thursday morning Mrs Townsend, the wife of Heber Townsend of 42 West St Helen Street, went into the garden and left a fire burning in the kitchen. Five minutes later, she discovered the kitchen was on fire. A strong draught from the window may have blown a spark onto the hearthrug, which was burnt. An old sofa and curtains, and door also caught fire. The Fire Brigade arrived with the hose cart and dealt with the conflagration before it had obtained a strong hold.

Sympathy is extended to Lady Norman, 36 Bath Street, on the death of her son Colonel Walter Norman, and his wife in a boating accident in India. It is believed that their boat capsized in a squall on Khadakwasla Lake. Mrs Norman was unable to swim. Colonel Norman was drowned in a gallant effort to save his wife. Mrs Munro, a friend, clung to a piece of wood until rescued.

To celebrate the wedding of H.R.H., the Duke of York, and Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, a grand gaiety ball was held on Thursday evening in the Corn Exchange when everyone had a good time. The hall was tastefully decorated with lanterns and blue streamers. Prizes were given for the best fancy dresses.

On Saturday afternoon, Junior Elsie Alder, a member of the Young People’s Singing Company of the Salvation Army, was accorded an impressive funeral. There was a slow and impressive march of the Corps from her home in Broad Street to the cemetery. At the graveside, ‘Better World’ was sung, and a short address was given by Officers.

Mr A B Woodley of Abingdon, hon. Secretary of the North Berks Football Competitions and a well-known referee has been appointed by the Football Association to act as one of the stewards at the Cup final between Bolton Wanderers and West Ham at Wembley. This is an honour much appreciated by the town.

Thank you for the news extracts and adverts from the Oxford Chronicle and Reading Gazette. The Royal Marriage is from the Western Daily Press. All in the British Newspaper Archive. There are also stories from the Berkshire Herald.