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.

7th October

The Abingdon evening schools commence next week. Despite the rapid advance of education in recent years and the fixing for school leaving at 14 years, most lads and girls can benefit from continuation classes.

A fortnight’s Church mission commenced in Abingdon last Saturday, and terminates Monday next. The Missioner is the Rev. Canon Ragg, the newly appointed Oxford Diocesan Missioner. The Missioner is assisted by several Women of the Diocese and several Oxford Undergraduates. Besides the several services in St Helen’s and St. Nicholas Churches, mission services will be held in the Corn Exchange, and at the factories in the town.

The Abingdon Golf Club held its annual meeting in the Roysse Room, on Wednesday evening last week, when a very satisfactory report and balance sheet was produced by the Secretary, Mr E. Woodbouse. The President presided, and is to present a trophy to the Club to be played for the members. The accounts showed balance the year’s working of £20 17s 4d. The number of members were given as 68. of which number 18 were ladies.

Abingdon Town Football Club went to Banbury where they met Banbury Athletic F.C. in the preliminary round of the English Amateur Cup. and lost by 3 goals to 1.

The Borough Court magistrates present on Tuesday were Councilors H, T. Clarke, R. W. Langford, and Mr J Ricketts, Several landlords public houses made application for extension of hours during the Abingdon Michaelmas Fair on Monday and Tuesday next. The magistrates decided to grant extensions from 2.30 to 4.30 on the afternoons of the fair to those who applied on Friday.

At the Abingdon Cattle Market on Monday the supply of sheep was small but other fat and store stock was well represented.
14th October

The Abingdon Michaelmas Fair was held on Monday and Tuesday this week and was reminiscent of pre-war days as regards its size. The incoming of the traction engines with their strings of lorries and caravans, chiefly from stands in the Culham and Marcham roads, was witnessed by a large number of people. And the rapidity with which the huge stands were erected excited great interest. Most excitement centred around the chair-of-plane, which paid its initial visit to the town, and was staged at the lower end of Ock Street where it found many patrons. The lorries and living vans were stationed in adjacent streets and early on Sunday morning, the showmen were ready. On Monday morning, the children on holiday from schools were earliest abroad to explore the amusements. And shortly afterwards, there was a large influx of country folk and passengers by the Oxford motor buses of which there was an augmented service. Conjuring by an ‘Indian Prince’ attracted a large crowd. And if only the Chancellor of the Exchequer could produce sovereigns by waving his hand in the air as this prince did the national debt would quickly disappear. The usual freaks and monstrosities were hidden behind canvas walls, while vendors of cheap jewellery, gaudy ornaments, and various other articles were prominent. The majority of the stores boasted signs, which conveyed the meaning that they gave something for nothing. But those who parted with their money found this was not so in every case. The switchbacks and roundabouts were kept busy, but money was not so free as formally. The crowds on Monday and Tuesday nights were very orderly. And there were no charges arising from the fair before the bench, which sat on Wednesday instead of Tuesday. Most of the shows and roundabouts remained for the second day, but were roused early on Wednesday morning by the police sergeant with orders to ‘get a move on.’ And as early as 9:30 am the streets have been cleared of the lorries and cleaned of the refuse. The only accident at the fair occurred on Mrs Bird’s roundabout on Tuesday evening. A young lad named Wells was riding on the roundabout when the pole snapped and threw him on the road—having been seen by the Doctor he was allowed home, having received a severe shaking.

A cordial invitation to all ex-Servicemen to attend the smoking concert organised by the Abingdon Branch of the British Legion to be held in the Clubroom, the ‘Barley Mow.’

The rainfall in Abingdon for the past nine months is reported as registered at 22.01 inches, whilst that for the past month was 1.42 inches.

The proceeds of the Abingdon Baptist Church Harvest Festival were given to the furnishing funds of the Baptist Hall, lately acquired. The amount was over £12.

Monday being Michaelmas Fair day, the supply of stock was somewhat short.

Saturday’s Football for Abingdon teams included a match on the Town ground between Abingdon Town F.C. and Culham College Students in the North Berks League. The match was clean and well contested, but the home team eventually won by 3 to 1. The Pavlova team on their ground met Sutton Courtenay in Berks and Bucks Junior Cup, the Pavlova winning by 9 goals to 3.
21st October

The second (or run-a-way) Michaelmas Fair was held on Monday last, when the Market Place was filled with stalls, the chief attraction being the Chair-o-planes and Wilson’s Switchbacks.

The Abingdon branch of the Farmers’ Union held their monthly meeting at the Lion Hotel, Abingdon, on Thursday evening last. Mr Pullen presiding. Several new members were elected, bringing the number up to 130 members. The question of wages was discussed, and the meeting agreed to a weekly wage of 25s per week till the end of next month. The high charges for thrashing corn were also debated, the price being 50s per day. It was decided to ask for a revision of the charges on a basis of 40s per day including two men. The enforcement of the Rookery Act, of 1918, which allowed farmers to enter rookeries to destroy rooks was strongly supported, and it was resolved to petition the Executive Council on the subject.

A mental defective youth named Cecil Glover, an inmate of the Abingdon Union, was allowed to visit Abingdon Fair in the charge of a warder with three other inmates, when Glover absconded, but was soon found. He was brought up Friday in last week at the Borough Court, the magistrates sending him back to the Workhouse pending being sent to a home.

Mr J. Roff, Spring Road. Abingdon, for 16 years superintendent of the Abingdon Wesley Sunday School and formerly nearly 20 years in the Oxford circuit, has been awarded by the S S Union with a Diploma of Honour, in recognition of his valuable S S work.

28th October

On November 1st four members of the Town Council terminate their present period of service and speculation is rife as to whether any fresh faces will be seen around the Council table on Mayor-choosing day.

The Mayor (Councillor Claude Rippon) at the request of a large number of townspeople agreed to be nominated as Mayor of Abingdon for a second year. In politics the Mayor is Conservative.

At the Abingdon Police Court on Thursday last, Frederick Innes, of Shippon Abingdon, was brought up in custody for being drunk and disorderly in the Market Place the previous day. The accused said he was a war pensioner and had had shellshock. On promising to leave the drink alone he was discharged.

The Abingdon Rural District Council at a meeting last week, decided to reduce the roadmen’s wages from 30s per week to 25s ,viz, 2s 6d per week from Oct.2lst.and another 2s from the following week.

The Mayor of Abingdon opened the winter programme of the Abingdon Literary and Debating society at the Social Club room, Ock Street, on Monday, with a very interesting lecture on ‘Self-preservation amongst butterflies and moths.’ There was a good attendance.

At St. Helen’s Church, Abingdon, on Thursday in last week, the interesting marriage took place of the Rev. Lionel A Howe, of Brattlebury. Lincs, and Miss Hebe Morland. only daughter of the late Major G. Morland, of Abingdon, and grand-daughter of Alderman J. T. Morland, Abingdon, who gave the bride away. The Church was nicely decorated for the occasion, the service was choral, and there was a large congregation

At the County Bench on Monday, Harry Wigley farmer, Long Whittenham, was fined £1 in each case for failing to deliver a movement order in respect of 40 and 17 pigs, and was also fined £2 in each case for removing them contrary to the Swine Fever Regulations. The pigs had been removed from the Reading Market

At the Borough Police Court,, George Young, of 3 Start Street, Abingdon, was charged with using his dwelling house for the purposes of betting, and William Higgs, for abetting the defendant. The Court was crowded, both defendants being well-known in the town. The police made a raid on the premises and found betting slips and monies etc. The Bench, after a lengthy hearing, convicted them in both cases, Young being fined £20 and Higgs £5, including costs.

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

Adverts and the story of the fair are brought to you with help from the Nork Berks Herald.

From 13th to 15th October in The Barn at Christ Church, Abingdon, people celebrated the richness and depth of African History.

In previous days there has been poetry, storytelling, drama and history. Today the Pearly Gates Church, Abingdon (who meet at Fitzharry’s School) gave a history presentation about Ghana and the Asanti Empire, followed by a drama where the Asanti King and Queen judged a dispute.

The King and Queen then watched the Adowa dance from Ghana. Afterwards, there was a chance for everybody to learn some steps and hand moves.

Alongside the stage was The Caribbean Living Room, showing how people lived in the 1950s and 60s after the Windrush and other ships brought people to the UK from the Caribbean.

The exhibition included biographies of great Africans, books, memorabilia, and African art and craft.