Friday 05 January 1923

GOLDEN WEDDING: Many congratulations were received by Mr and Mrs George Winship, Conduit Road, Abingdon, on their golden wedding day (Christmas Eve). Mr G. Winship was for over forty years the Abingdon Borough Surveyor having moved to Abingdon during the construction of the sewerage draining scheme, and retired a few years ago but holds the position now of consulting engineer to the Abingdon Corporation. One of Mr Winship’s sons is a brilliant musician and organist and choirmaster of All Saints’ Church, Torquay. He served in the Artiste Rifles during the war and was awarded the M.O (or M.C?).

A NEW INDUSTRY: What was formerly the Abingdon Hygenic Laundry, Ock Street, Abingdon, has now been turned into a golf club manufactory, under name of Messrs Sherlock, Ray and Turner. The club-making staff include several excellent golfers, one being the challenge cup winner.

ISOLATION HOSPITAL: The Fund for this institution received many gifts for Christmas, including a cheque for £51 14s., kindly collected by the Rev. J. K. Sitwell, curate, and Messrs. W. Brind, L, Hamblin, and J. Beadle. A Christmas tree, from Rev. C. H. Gill, the Congregational minister, was much enjoyed by the patients.

COUNTY BENCH: The magistrates sitting at this Court on Monday were Admiral W. Clutterbork, and Messrs M T. Tatham and W. Hays. The only business for transaction was in an application for an extension of an hour and a half to the licensee of the Flour do Lys, Dry Sandford, on the occasion of a slate club dinner: and a two hours’ extension for the same purpose to Mr S. Taylor, Wheatsheaf, Drayton.

BOROUGH POLICE COURT. Tuesday – Before Mr J. F. Dunning, Coun H. T. Clarke
MOTOR OFFENCE. Albert Viner, of Winterbourne Road, Abingdon, was fined 10s for failing to have an identification plate attached to a trailer. Allowed a week to pay.
STRAY DOG. Walter Thatcher, of Stert Street, Abingdon, and Albert Victor Berry, of Queen Street, Abingdon, were summoned under the Lost Dog Act for failing to report the finding of a stray dog to the police authorities. Both defendants pleaded guilty and were fined £2.

Friday 12 January 1923

FLOODS: Nearly the whole of the meadows adjoining the Thames at Abingdon are flooded in a consequence of the overflow of the Thames and the Ock.

MORRIS DANCER: The oldest Morris dancer in the Abingdon neighbourhood is Mr William Hemmings, of Ock Street, Abingdon, who is now over 73 years of age. The Hemmings brothers have long been associated with old Morris dancing, and their services have been requisitioned by the English Folk Dancing Society several times. Mr W. Hemmings has now been presented with a splendid concertina from the society, bearing the inscription as follows “Presented to William Hemmings by the English Folk Dancing Society, November 1922. It is interesting to note that the brother of William Hemmings, James, is also an old Morris dancer and is nearly 70 years of age.

DEATH OF AN OLD RESIDENT: The funeral took place in Abingdon cemetery on Thursday afternoon of Mr Elijah Paxman, of St John’s Road, Abingdon, who died the previous Tuesday at the ripe age of 89. The deceased carried on the business in the Market Place of a grocer and provision merchant for sixty years, retiring about two years ago. The deceased had been married three times and had a family with each marriage. The deceased was of the strict Baptist persuasion, the meeting house being in the Abbey, Abingdon. The deceased had also been a farmer for nearly thirty years, farming Bridge Farm, Appleford. The funeral service was conducted by Mr William Tiptafty of Parkgate, Yorkshire, a son-in-law. There was a large number of relations and friends of the deceased attending the funeral, including many of the local tradesmen.

OLD BERKS HUNT: The annual Old Berks Hunt Ball took place on Thursday night at Abingdon when the whole Borough Buildings at the Guildhall were used for the occasion. The ball was in the large Council Chamber, the small one was used as a refreshment room and the Roysse Room as a supper room. The Abbey Room and the magistrates’ room were arranged with lounges, and the Mayor’s Parlour was used as a cards room. The company numbered upwards of 200, and the music was supplied by Van Lief Orchestra. The whole was an imposing sight, and much appreciation was expressed for the excellent arrangements. The catering was done by a London firm. and the furnishing by Messrs. Coxeter Bros. Abingdon.

Friday 19 January 1923

ABINGDON CATTLE MARKET. The local Auctiomers, Messrs. Adkin, Belcher and Bowen, had some excellent stock in their sales entry list, which met a ready sale. In the total of 34 fat beasts entered: a very nice fat steer, weighing 10 1/2 cwt. from the farm of Mr A. H. Cornish, of Eaton, fetched £33 5s., and a heifer 3 3/4 cwt from the Lockinge Estate made £27. The supplies of stores were short. There were 50 calves, which ‘made up to £8 10s. The fat sheep penned numbered 130, and tegs from Mr Durmer, of Hanney, made up to £5 16s., whilst those from the farms of Mr Hawker. Pusey. and Mr A. E. Allnut Drayton. fetched up £5 16s. to £5 6s. respectively. The pig pens contained 112, and the prices realised as follows: Hogs, £13 15s. porkers. £6 10s. ; fat sows, £15 5s and stores £3 16s. 6d.

A SOCIAL PARTY is being arranged to meet the Member of Parliament, Mr A T Loyd, on Wednesday, January 31, in the Corn Exchange, by the Men’s and Women’s Constitutional Association members.

LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY The Spring session of the above commences on Monday when a debate between members of the Society and Ruskin College on ‘whether the influence of the Cinema is beneficial or detrimental.’

THE LIBERAL ASSOCIATION: The Abingdon Division is holding an entertainment at the Corn Exchange to meet Mr E A Lessing. Dancing will take place after the other entertainment.

THE SALVATION ARMY: At the evening service on Sunday evening Mrs Goddard conducted the swearing-in under the flag of five soldiers and three recruits. One of the sisters, Mrs Pancott, gave a personal testimony. The address was given by Adjutant Goddard on ‘God Knows’. Brother Bonner has recently taken up the position of Junior Sergeant-Major.

ABINGDON BOWLING CLUB DINNER: Forty members gathered around a festive board at the Lion Hotel on the occasion of the annual dinner.

Friday 26 January 1923

RELIEF WORK IN EUROPE: On Friday, February 2, all interested in the reconstruction of a war-devastated world will have the opportunity of seeing at the Stert Street Kinema, several lantern slides showing the work of the Friends Relief Committee in France, Austria, Russia, and Poland. There will be no charge for admission, but a collection will be taken for relief funds.

SHOVE HA’PENNY MATCH: The Steam Plough Shove ha’penny team visited the Assembly Roooms on Monday evening and played a match against the Railway Inn team. The games were closely contested and ended at five a piece. Supper was served afterwards.

CONCERT AT THE UNION INSTITUTION: A concert arranged and organised by Mrs Roberts and given by the children of Dry Sandford School, songs being rendered by the children, took place at the union and was a great success. Mrs Reynolds generously supplied the inmates with refreshments during the interval.

THE COTTAGE HOSPITAL: The hon. secretary acknowledged with grateful thanks the receipt of £2 10s 6d from the Railway Inn Slate Club.

FOOTBALL
Berks and Bucks Junior Cup
Abingdon Town 2 Abingdon Pavlova 1
There is always a struggle for supremacy between these two teams, and Saturday at Westfields was no exception. Pavlova, who were expected to win, had to start the game with 10 players because Johnson of the Pavlova had not arrived, and Pavlova started on the defensive until Johnson came on. There was fast, even play, and Pavlova came near scoring from a corner which Carter shot high over the bar. Ivey was penalised for handling in the fatal area, and Crook, The Abingdon captain, took the kick and scored just before the interval. In the second half, Ivey equalised for Pavlova with a splendid shot. A grim struggle followed until Nickless of Abingdon scored the winner despite being hampered by two defenders. Pavlova made great efforts to save the game, but when the whistle blew, Abingdon had won a hard game.

Thank you for the extracts from the Oxford Chronicle and Reading Gazette on the British Newspaper Archive. Also, some stories were taken from the North Berk Herald and shortened. The football cartoon comes from The North Berks Herald. With thanks.

Saturday 02 December 1922

ABINGDON BOROUGH COURT. Tuesday — Messrs J. N. Paul and J. Rickets were the magistrates present. The only cases were those of a woman named Akers, who summoned her husband, at the common lodging house for non-maintenance. Both agreed to go into the Workhouse. And Charles Barrett, Abingdon, was fined 10s for having a dog not wearing a collar.

There were only three minor cases at the Abingdon County Bench on Monday. Horace Hart, of West St. Helen Street, Abingdon, was fined 7s 6d for riding a bicycle without a light at Sutton Courtenay, and Elsie Simmonds a like sum for a similar offence at Marcham. A case of non-payment of rates from Milton was adjourned for a fortnight to allow payment.

The Oxford Concert Party “The Nonsensicals,” who are giving their efforts on behalf of the Radcliffe Infirmary, visited the Abingdon Corn Exchange on Wednesday evening in last week. The audience was a very small one.

Mr Harry Tame received congratulations on his success at the age of 22 in passing the final examination of the Institute of Civil Engineers. Mr Tame was a pupil of Mr George Winship, formerly Borough Surveyor, and is now assisting in the Abingdon Surveyor’s Office.

Miss Edith Hounslow, of Paradise Square, Oxford, has been appointed as assistant Nurse to the Union by the Abingdon Guardians. Miss Hounslow has been 4½ years a V.A.D Nurse and has several decorations including the Royal Red Cross, the 1915 star and other medals.

The Abingdon Primitive Methodists brought their anniversary services to a close on Thursday in last week, when Mr Clifford, Oxford City Mission, preached in the afternoon and gave a lecture in the evening on ‘A week in Scotland’. A public tea preceded the meeting.

The Abingdon Wesleyan Church have shown their appreciation of their honorary organist’s 25 years’ service by presenting him (Councillor R. W. Langford, Deputy Mayor of Abingdon) with a handsome clock, with the Westminster chimes, which bears the inscription “Presented to Mr R. W. Langford by the members and congregation of Trinity Wesleyan Church, Abingdon, as a small token of their appreciation of his 25 years’ devoted service as organist.”

Saturday 09 December 1922
The Abingdon Branch of the National Farmers’ Union held their annual meeting last Wednesday evening, with Mr H. Pullen presiding. The report was very satisfactory, showing that the membership had increased by 32 during the year, and the financial statement showed an increase in the balance in hand.

The Mayoress of Abingdon opened a very successful sale of work of the Congregational Church members, and the Mayor was also present. The stalls were well-laden, and there were several competitions.

The Abingdon Provident Society, held a special meeting in the Roysse Room on Wednesday evening for the purpose of allocating a surplus of £2,354, shown by the last quinquennial valuation. The Financial Committee recommended that £400 in bonuses be distributed amongst the members, which makes the eighth in the history of this old established society.

The Choral Society gave an entertainment in the Corn Exchange last week, consisting of a capital rendering of St Cecilia’s Day, the conductor being H Sheldon-Peach, and the ‘soloist being Miss Ivy Sheldon-Peach. The second part of the programme consisted of two very amusing sketches.

The West End Allotment Society, Abingdon, held its annual meeting last week, the Mayor presiding. Mr Archie Staniland, the energetic secretary, was able to produce a very satisfactory report and a financial success. The prizes were distributed for the best-kept allotments of 10 poles to 40 poles, and a special prize for over one acre was given by Councillor Cordell.

Market — There was a good attendance on Monday and a good supply of stock. Prices reached up to the following:—Cow and calf, £31, calves £7 12s 6d, sheep £5 8s, hogs £12 17s 6d, and porkers £6 15s.

A largely attended social evening, was held by the Abingdon and District Conservative Association on Monday in the Corn Exchange, to welcome Mr A. T. Loyd, M.P., on his re-election at the General Election. The social items concluded with a dance till midnight.

We deeply regret to record the death of Mr Archie Kirkman Loyd, K.C., of Downs House, East Hendred, which occurred at his London residence. 60, Cadogan Square, S.W . on the 1st of December, within a month of his 76th birthday. The news of his death cast a gloom over the immediate district in which he lived, and throughout the Abingdon Division he twice represented in Parliament. He was a man of sterling worth whose word was his bond. Although a staunch upholder of the Conservative and Unionist cause, he was ever ready to assist or advise all his constituents to whatever political party they belonged.

Saturday 16 December 1922

Borough Court. Tuesday.—The only case was that of Edward Crossley, of no fixed abode, dismissed with a caution, for being drunk and disorderly.

A whist drive in connection with St. Dunstan’s National Whist Championship was held on Thursday evening last in the Abingdon Corn Exchange when over 160 were present. The Mayoress presented the prizes to the winners as follows Ladies—Mrs F. Mott, Mrs Sheard. Mrs Easton, and Miss Carter. Men — Messrs E. F. Roberts. R. B. Pollard, junr, F. Wicks and P Strange.

At St. Helen’s High School for girls at Abingdon, Bishop Shaw laid the foundation stone for a new School Chapel on Wednesday afternoon last week.

County Bench, Monday. Ernest Atkins, of Windlesham, Surrey, was charged with stealing a travelling clock, value £l, the property of a student at Radley College, on or about the 14th of August, whilst the student was at camp with the O.T.C, and the accused was then a servant at the college. The defendant pleaded guilty and was fined £6.

Saturday 23 December 1922
County Bench, Monday—The only business was granting extension licenses to several inns in the neighbourhood on the occasion of slate club dinners.

The Y.M.C.A. held a social evening in their rooms on Sunday evening last, which was attended by about 50 members and friends. The soloist was A. Chivers, and the address was given by Mr W. Wheeler.

The Abingdon branch of the Reading Athletic Club Harriers held an interclub race on Saturday last, the teams being Oxford, Reading, and Abingdon. The result was: -Oxford, 40 points; Reading, 28 points; and Abingdon, 15 points.

The Royal Humane Society’s certificate on vellum, has been awarded to Mr S. L. Buckle, aged 18, son of Mr and Mrs Lewis Buckle, of Spring Road, Abingdon, (on rescuing a man on Sept. 14th, in the sea at Clacton, when in imminent danger of drowning.)

On Monday, the wedding took place at St Helen Church of the only daughter of the Senior Mayor’s Sergeant, Miss Florence Viner, who was married to Herbert Dockerty. The presents included a clock given by the Mayor and Mayoress of Abingdon, who were present at the wedding breakfast at the Roysse Room. The Pavlova works gave the bridegroom several presents from his fellow employees.

Mr Bromley Challenor, the coroner, held an inquest on Thursday last week, at Springfields, Abingdon, the residence of the deceased, into the death of Mr Charles Lowry aged 63 years, who died during the night whilst in bed. The widow in her evidence said the deceased was formerly assistant master at Eton and for 15 years headmaster of Tonbridge School, which office he resigned from at the end of the last summer term, by the advice of his medical adviser in consequence of his breathing trouble, after an attack in the January previous of a cerebral haemorrhage. The deceased came to live in Abingdon last August with his wife and daughter. On Tuesday night, the witness said, the deceased’s breath was very bad, and she got up and administered hot milk, and he afterwards was better. The witness was awakened later in the morning by the deceased’s breathing and sent for the doctor. Dr R. Scott, in evidence, said that when he arrived the deceased was dead, and he was of the opinion the death was due to syncope. Verdict accordingly.

Saturday 30 December 1922
The Christmas festival in Abingdon was celebrated very quietly, and, as is usually the custom, it was the season of many family reunions. The weather on Saturday and Sunday was such as to hold out hope of a dry frosty Christmas. Vendors of holly and mistletoe did a good trade, and several holly wreaths were laid at the base of the war memorial. On Saturday, each family whose breadwinner was unemployed, received, from an anonymous friend, something extra in order to join in with the festival. Many celebrated Christmas Eve on Saturday night, and not a few converted Sunday into an extra Christmas Day. The bells of St Helens heralded the arrival of Monday and Christmas Day. The Three celebrations at St Helen’s church were well attended, as were those in other churches. The weather changed and rain set in, making Christmas Day a fireside one. At the cottage hospital, the few patients had an enjoyable time, whilst the isolation hospital had 172 patients. Thanks to the generosity of local people and the hard work of the matron and her staff, the day was enjoyed. Each patient received a present from the Christmas tree. ‘Christmas at the workhouse’ is an old saying, but its meaning has changed. Instead of being despised, Christmas is made as happy and enjoyable as possible for the old people and inmates. Festivities continued from Christmas Eve to Thursday and ended with a concert.

By boxing Day the rain had stopped. The main attraction was the Old Berks Hunt which was witnessed by a large number of spectators. After a ‘warm-up’ at the Queen’s Hotel, the hounds, followed by the huntsmen and followers went via Bury Street, Bath Street, and Wootton Road out in the country in search of prey. The scent however was not very strong, and although foxes were bolted, the hounds did not affect a kill. In the afternoon, football enthusiasts could witness a match between Swindon Casuals and Abingdon Town, which resulted in a victory for Swindon. There were attractive programmes at the Cinema and Grand Theatre. The Great Western Railway offered cheap excursions to places in the neighbourhood.

Thank you for the extracts to the Faringdon Advertiser and Vale of the White Horse Gazette on the British Newspaper Archive. The report of Christmas and Boxing Day are summarised from the North Berks Herald.

Saturday 04 November 1922
A special meeting of the Executive Committee of the Abingdon Division Liberal Association was held in the Central Offices, Bridge Street, Abingdon, on Saturday night. There was a large attendance of representatives from all parts of the Division. Mr E. A. Lessing gave a short exposition of his views. The three principal points were that he had always been Liberal, was still Liberal, and hoped to die a liberal. He was a Free Trader and strong supporter of the League of Nations, as the only hope for the prevention of calamities such as had devastated the world, and a preventive of war. Thirdly, he was an opponent of the present Tory Government. Questions on various points were asked of the candidate, at the conclusion of which the Chairman moved, a representative seconded, many of the delegates supported, and it was unanimously agreed that Mr E. A. Lessing should be adopted as Liberal candidate at this Election. Mr Lessing, who met with an enthusiastic reception, thanked the gathering and accepted the invitation to contest the Division,

The Abingdon Labour Exchange returns of unemployment last week showed the number to be 103, of which 98 were males.

A rummage sale in aid of the funds of the Baptist Church was held in the Schoolroom on Saturday afternoon when the sum of £18 was realised.

Abingdon is suffering from an outbreak of scarlet fever, there being nearly 30 cases sent to the Isolation Hospital.

The Abingdon Board of Guardians at their meeting last week discussed the question of the reduction of wages of relief workers and decided to make a reduction of 2s 6d per week.

Saturday 11 November 1922

The nominations of candidates for the North Berks Abingdon Division were made on Saturday. The Conservatives nominated Mr A. T. Loyd, of Lockinge House, Wantage, who represented the Division as Coalition Member in the last Parliament. The Liberal candidate was Mr A. E. Lessing, of Kingston House, Kingstone Bagpuize.

Saturday 18 November 1922

Election Result

At first the estimated time for declaring the poll was from 12.30 to one, later reports put it at two, and then three o’clock, and this was the exact time when the window of the Council Chamber was opened, and the result of the polling declared:

At this time there were between one and two thousand people in Abingdon Market Place, and when the result was known the cheering was loud and long-continued. Mr Loyd was hoisted onto the shoulders of some stalwarts and carried to the Queen’s Hotel, from the balcony of which be addressed the multitude of people, after the cheering had subsided, as follows: “Ladies and Gentlemen, and my very good friends (cheers). We have had a very stiff fight, but we have had a jolly good straight fight (cheers). I owe you all a very great debt of gratitude, and I am very proud of having the honour of being your representative. I know that you will realise that I must go on to visit our friends at Wallingford, Faringdon and Wantage (cheers). But I want in conclusion to just tell you this. I have done one very good deed. I have got Mr Lessing to see that after fighting like this there will be a little tranquillity (cheers). And now I am going to ask you to ‘let me get on to Wallingford to thank our very good friends there” (cheers).

Mr Lessing was accompanied to his Committee Room by a good number of his supporters, where he made a few remarks. He said “I just want to say this: Liberalism has not been defeated in North Berks. We have been defeated only by the rich man’s Rolls Royce car. Now I just want to say that we have had a short, sharp contest and it is over, but the principles of Liberalism do not die, and I hope that when the opportunity presents itself again you will get all the supporters of Liberalism to the poll, and then we shall win. I thank you all for your cordial and loyal support, and can assure you it was a great honour and privilege to fight your battle for freedom ”

National Result (the first time without most of independent Ireland):
Conservatives 346
Labour 138 (the first time labour had been the second party)
National Liberals 54
Independent Liberals 52 (the party had split after ruling in coalition with conservatives)

At the Borough Court on Monday, James Stone, labourer, West St. Helen’s, Abingdon, was fined 2s 6d for being drunk and disorderly on Saturday last. Ernest Gainge, of London, was summoned for driving a car to the danger of the public and Henry de Wilde, of London for aiding and abetting the offence. After a long hearing, both being legally represented, the cases were dismissed. John Saunders, of Abingdon, was fined 5s for riding a bicycle without a light,

The local football on Saturday included a match on the Abingdon ground in the North Berks Minor Cup, between Abingdon and Radley, the former winning by 5 goals to nil.

The Chairman of the Abingdon Board of Guardians at the Board’s Meeting last week stated that since the Guardians had reduced the wages on relief work the men had ceased to work and considered it better to accept the dole. The Board decided to acquaint the Labour Exchange that the men had left work.

The Abingdon Council Girls School held an “at home,” in the School Hall, Wednesday last, when there was an exhibition of the pupils work. A large number of parents were present.

Councillor C Rippon was unanimously re-elected Mayor of Abingdon for a second year. He was proposed at the Council Meeting by the senior Alderman (Mr J. T. Morland) and seconded by Alderman E, J. Cottrell . The Council at its meeting on Thursday unanimously elected Councillor Alec W. Morland to fill an alderman vacancy. The election of Councillor Morland to the Alderman’s bench creates a unique position of father and youngest son being senior and junior Aldermen respectively.

Saturday 25 November 1922

The local fixtures for Saturday last included an excellent game on the Abingdon ground between the North Berks League and Swindon and District League, and there was a good gate, the Berks winning by four goals to one.

At the Abingdon Baptist Church Anniversary public tea and meeting last Thursday, the Rev. F. J. Walkey. O.B.E., M.C… a late chaplain during the war in Palestine, preached in the afternoon, and lectured in the evening in the Baptist Hall, on the subject of ‘The Conquest of Palestine.’

The Abingdon Bowling Club held its tenth annual meeting on Thursday last week, in the Roysse Room, the President (Alderman A. E. Preston, J.P) taking the chair. The report and balance sheet were very satisfactory, and the whole of the officers was re-elected.

The roadmen’s wages were again freely discussed at the Abingdon Rural District Council meeting last week. The wages had been reduced to 25s per week, and several members resented the reduction. Eventually, 1s was added to pay the men’s unemployment assurance.

The Abingdon Lodge of the R.A.O.B. held a fancy dress ball in the Abingdon Corn Exchange last Thursday evening at which over 200 were present. The hall was tastefully decorated, and the arrangements reflected great credit on the Committee. The judges were the Mayoress, Miss Johnson and Mrs Simpson, and the prizes were presented to the winners by the Mayor, The proceeds were towards providing a bed in the R.A.O.B Orphanage. (This must be the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes)

With the elevation to the Aldermen’s Bench of Councillor A. W. Morland, a vacancy on the Abingdon Town Council was created. Mr Archibald B. Woodley, of local football fame, who was one of the defeated candidates at the November election, is standing and has issued his address. The other candidate, it is stated, is Mr Oscar Bromley Challenor, solicitor, son of the late Town Clerk. The election is fixed for December 8th. These elections are not run politically.

Sir,— As Chairman of the Abingdon Division Liberal Association, I desire to make a public comment on one aspect of the recent Election. With regard to the result, Liberals are only less pleased than if we had obtained an actual majority; to come within 540 votes of victory, on a poll of 20,521 with the territorial influence against us and at a time when the general current of political thought is against the Liberal Party, is an achievement of which we Liberals are proud, and one which reflects as we are all delighted to recognise — the greatest possible credit upon our candidate, Mr Lessing. There is another thing upon which we agreed, and that is in regard to the personality of our victorious opponent. We all feel, our candidate as much as anyone, that in Mr Loyd we have an opponent who is a gentleman in the best sense of the word and one who is constitutionally incapable of any mean or questionable action. Having said that, I am free to comment on the action taken by a few – a very few — of the supporters of the Conservative Candidate, who deliberately circulated a malicious lie to the effect that Mr Lessing is a German ….

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

Work on patching up Conduit House in Albert Park was completed a few weeks ago. What started as a simple project to re-lime the joints became more complicated. This picture shows that patching was needed, and wall ties.

Conduit House is not far from Trinity Church and is older. Trinity Church was opened in 1875, the year Conduit House last acted as a cistern to collect water from natural springs and conduit water to the residents of Ock Street.

The ancient building belonged to Abingdon Abbey – which closed in 1538, and was passed to the current owner, Christ’s Hospital of Abingdon, in 1553.

Christ’s Hospital of Abingdon laid out £31,000, the major part of the cost of the remedial work. The work was also funded partly by the Oxfordshire Buildings Trust, a charity that gives grants to maintain ancient buildings in Oxfordshire. ‘The Oxfordshire Buildings Trust was established to help preserve Oxfordshire’s historical, and architectural heritage. It also offers grant aid, advice, and campaigns on heritage and conservation issues. If you have an ancient building (not a church) you could try them. Churches have their own charity – the Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust.