Do the dead talk? This film will be shown at the Grand Theatre Corn Exchange during the last three days of next week. It should prove a tremendous attraction since never before has such a story been seen on the screen, and it deals straightforwardly, neither for nor against this most discussed question of the day, with the possibility of communicating with the dead. It does not attempt to convert but to unfold in dramatic style, a story of mystic influences that affect human life patterns. It would be well advised to book seats early.

Thomas Dollarway was admitted to the Cottage Hospital in Abingdon on Monday evening, suffering from a compound fracture of the right leg. It appears that he was driving a horse and cart along Northcourt road. After tapping, the animal with the whip, he was jerked out of the cart, the wheel passing over his leg. First aid was rendered by PC Painter and PC Butler, after which the unfortunate man was conveyed to the Cottage Hospital.

North Berk’s League: Pavlova, 4 Ardington, 1. Pavlova fielded a strong team against the village last Saturday at Westfield, which included six players from the Temperance League team. Owing to the treacherous surface of the ground, the football shown was not of the best, with the players having great difficulty keeping their feet. Pavlova had the best of the opening exchanges, but the village defenders were in good form, and it’s only from a penalty awarded for ‘hands’, which appeared to be more accidental than intentional, that they were able to establish a lead in the first half. Johnson steered the ball into the net. In the second half, Pavlova added further goals through Hyde(2) and Green, which enabled them to win a very clean and pleasant game.

There was an excellent attendance at the weekly Whist tournament in aid of the local schools’ Parent & Friends Association (PFA) on Tuesday.

The Grand Gaiety Dance, in the Corn Exchange on Wednesday, attracted some 150 people, many of whom wore fancy dresses of a novel character. The hall had been tastefully and effectively decorated.

The Mayor has, at the request of a number of burgesses, convened a public meeting in the Roysse room for Friday evening to look at the question of reviving the Abingdon Regatta this summer. All interested, especially the members and committee of the old Skiff Regatta, are invited to attend.

Horace Field, Wilsham Road, Abingdon, was riding a motorcycle in the Abingdon Road towards Oxford, and collided with a heap of tar macadam lying on the side of the road near the Farrier’s Arms. The road is undergoing repairs and is partly closed to traffic and red lamps were placed on trestles at intervals, and it appears that he drove behind the trestles and thus ran into the tar macadam. He was thrown from the machine and, at the Radcliffe Infirmary, was found to be suffering from severe facial injuries.

The number of persons registered at the labour exchange as unemployed now totalled 94, 85 men, five women and four boys. The short time figures are as usual, 11 men, 104 women and five girls.

Abingdon School scholarships have been awarded as follows for classics. G F Powell, Greyfriars Preparatory School, Leamington. For mathematics, T G Austin, Radnor House School, The Common, Redhill.

There was an exceptionally large attendance at the Wesley Guild meeting in the Wesleyan schoolroom on Wednesday evening, when the Reverend Grainger Hargreaves from Oxford was the speaker. Mr Hargreaves dealt with his tour in New Zealand, which proved very interesting and popular.

The Salvation Army meeting during the weekend was conducted by Adjacent Gibbs, Northampton, and Cadet Holliday, the latter farewelling at the evening service, prior to returning to London for his final training before being commissioned as an officer. The self-denial altar service was held at night when the soldiers and friends brought their gifts and laid them upon an open Bible.

Mr T Leech of Bath Street organised another Meccano competition. Thirty-two models were entered. They showed a great advance in originality and skill on those of last year. The judges of Mr Gibson and Son had some little difficulty in making the awards, so close, indeed, was the contest. The prize winners were senior section first prize: Frank Dymond for a working model of a sewing machine. Second prize, John Hart for a model of a horse and cart. Junior section. First prize. I Luker for a model of a crane. Second prize, S Roberts for a giant digger.

An increase in the quantity of gas sold and a substantial reduction in the price of gas were the main features of the 60th annual ordinary general meeting of the Abingdon Gas Light and Coke Company, held in the company’s office, 75 The Vineyard under the presidency of Mr C. Alfred Price on Tuesday afternoon.

Expressions of regret were heard on all sides when the news of the death of Mr John Thornhill Morland became known on Saturday morning. The father of the council as he was affectionately termed by his colleagues, had assisted in the deliberations of that body for over 56 years, being first returned as a counsellor so far back as 1866. His elevation to the order of Alderman took place 17 years later. The whole of his life was devoted towards the well-being of his fellow burgesses, and it was a happy thought that prompted the presentation of the Freedom of the Borough upon him last June. He goes to his rest, honoured by all with whom he came into contact. The gathering at the funeral was the largest that had been seen in the town for a great many years. Outside Abingdon, he was known as the cox of the Cambridge crew in the boat races in 1859 and 1860. The Cambridge boat was swamped and sank in the first of these years, but the next year the Cantabs were victorious.

We regret to have to state that Councillor F Gibson is lying seriously ill at his residence in Bridge Street, suffering from internal trouble.

A list of day trips has been arranged for the Easter holidays by the Great Western Railway, with excursions being run to Portsmouth, Southsea and Bournemouth as well as London.

The members of the Abingdon Choral Society are giving a rendering of Stainers Crucifixion in the Congregational Church on Sunday at 8 pm. Mr H Sheldon Peach will conduct the singing, and a silver collection will be taken.

Mrs Godley, 10 Ock Street, has received an acknowledgement from the friends of the relief committee for two sacks of clothing, boots and a packet of soap together with 10 shillings in money which the ladies of the town kindly sent them.

Thank you for the extracts from the North Berks Herald.

Mrs Page of Burford, on a visit to her relatives at ‘The Laurels’, Spring Road, Abingdon, was driving her car from High Street into West St Helen Street and, in turning into Lombard Street, noticed a horse and cart standing outside the Barley Mow and in trying to avoid the cart the car swerved into the pavement and crushed two little children against the wall – a boy named Drew, son of Mr Drew, West St Helen Street, and the little daughter of Mr E MacIntyre, of Thames Street. The boy sustained a crushed thigh and the girl a bruised face, and both were taken to the Cottage Hospital. The boy was detained, but the girl was allowed home.

Mrs Christiana O’Connell, who celebrated her 100th birthday last July, has died at her home in Abingdon, Berks. She had resided in Abingdon for 70 years. She was the keeper of the Vineyard Lodging House for over 50 years and was the mother of 17 children, only four of whom survived her.

On Saturday. February 3rd, a hockey match was played at Abingdon between the Wallingford Grammar School 1st XI (girls) and St. Helen’s, Abingdon, 1st XI. The game resulted in a victory for the Grammar School by 2 goals to 1.

On Tuesday afternoon, the funeral took place in Appleford churchyard of a little boy named Harry Prior, aged 4 years and 8 months. He was the youngest of a family of eight children of Mr Harry Prior, who has worked all his life on the Manor Farm and is a native of Appleford. The boy died on Saturday of diphtheria at Abingdon Hospital. Two brothers, aged 9 and 7, are still there, the elder being seriously ill. Harry was an engaging little fellow and is much missed in his home.

A reader the other day expressed surprise that there was such a thing as a feminine Oddfellows’ Lodge at Abingdon. Incredible as such a Lodge seems, even in these days when women are fast coming into their own, it is not so unusual as it looks. Oxford, too, has made provision for women in the Charlotte Toynbee Lodge.

The ‘Loyal Ivy Lodge’ of Oddfellows, Abingdon, had dinner on Thursday evening at the Lodge Room, Station Road. Bro. A W Morland presided. He was supported by the Secretary (Mr A Staniland) and several officers. A musical programme enlivened the evening’s proceedings.

After being in constant employment for over 64 years at Messr. Clarke and Co’s clothing factory, Mr George Matthews, a highly respected townsman, has retired in his 78th year. His fellow workers have made him a presentation with their best wishes.

A team of players from the Abingdon Y.M. Social Club, consisting of Messrs. R. Perrin, W. Rutty, S. Leach, W. Moore, J, Maltby, and Dickenson, spent Thursday evening last at billiards with the local police at their billiard room. The players for the police were P.S. Painter, P.C. Franklin, Appleton, Haines, Goddard, and Rogers. The games were singles for 100 up, the Social winning each of the games.

An election of a representative on the Board of Governors of the Radcliffe Infirmary for the area comprising Abingdon, Isley and South Morton has occurred. Mr C.C. Johnson of Abingdon was elected.

Several school boats were practising on the Thames at Abingdon when one of them, handled by boys from Captain Fox’s School, Sutton Courtney, got into difficulties. A four belonging to Abingdon Grammar School went to its assistance. Both boats were swamped, but all the occupants swam for land. When near the bank Bertie Steele, age 14, one of the Grammar School lads, fell back exhausted and was drowned. Dragging operations have been carried out without success.

The report that Supt W Foster was able to present last week at the County Brewster Sessions Court was of a very good character. It stated that the number of licensed houses in the division was 54, of which 41 were fully licensed. The division’s population was 9,849 (1911 census), meaning there was one licensed house for every 186 of the population. No charge of drunkenness had been brought during the whole year.

On Tuesday before the Mayor Councillor C Rippon and Councillor H T Clarke, Robert Brind(27) of Abingdon, working at the Didcot Depot, was brought up to receive judgement to which he pleaded guilty to stealing a bicycle with a value of £12. The bicycle had been stolen outside the White Horse Inn on Ock Street. The prisoner’s father expressed his great upset at his son’s position, which he attributed to the war. He had been wounded four times and had shell shock. His wife was in the cottage hospital, and the prisoner had to look after the child and work at the depot. The Bench bound him over in his father’s security and placed him under a probation officer for three years.

Thank you for the news extracts from the Oxford Chronicle and Reading Gazette, Oxfordshire Weekly News, Berks and Oxon Advertiser, North Wilts Herald (Berkshire News). The Morris Dancers are from Reynolds’s Newspaper. The school steeplechase from The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News. All in the British Newspaper Archive.

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.