3rd September
The beautiful home of Mrs Bailie, Caldecott House, has been let until next spring to Sir John and Lady Mildred FitzGerald.

The Abingdon contingent of the Berks Yeomanry go into training with the Regiment at Churn from Saturday, Sept, 10th, till the 22nd. An excellent sports and entertainments programme has been provided.

The trading receipts of the Abingdon Branch the Oxford Co-Operative Society for the past half year has boon published as £5,626, as against £4,852 for the corresponding period last year.

The Abingdon Pavlova Leather Factory Athletic Club held their third annual sports meeting on Saturday last, in a field near the Factory. The Pavlova Band was in attendance, and there were several side-shows, dancing, &c.

The Abingdon water supply to the town is being seriously considered by the Town Council, who have engaged an expert to prepare a report on the matter. The present supply is obtained from a reservoir at Wootton, and supplemented by pumping into the mains water from the well in the centre of the town.

10th September
At the Abingdon County Bench on Monday, Percival Southern, farmer, of Kingston Bagpuize, was summoned by Jessie Waterman for an assault. It appears that the woman was gathering blackberries and mushrooms in the defendant’s field and he took them away from her and flung her to the ground. There was a cross summons issued by the defendant against the woman, who, he said, scratched his face when he stopped her. The Bench fined the defendant £2, and dismissed the cross summons.

The census returns for the Borough of Abingdon show the inhabitants to number 7,167. an increase of 358, but at the taking of the census the various schools boarders were in residence. The males numbered 3,271, and females 3,896.

The Reading Ladies’ Football Club met the Reading Ladies’ Sports’ Club on the Abingdon Town ground Saturday in a match in aid of local charities. The Ladies’ Club were victors by 3 goals to 2. The players wore knickers and jerseys and football boots.

17th September
The unveiling of the Abingdon War Memorial took place on Sunday afternoon last, when Lord Abingdon performed the act of unveiling. The Memorial is a tomb shape, with the names of the fallen on three sides and on the other side a brass plate with the portrait of a soldier engraved. The Mayor and Corporation attended, and addresses were given by the Mayor and Lieut-General R. J Clarke, a member of an old Abingdon family, and at one time Mayor of Abingdon. Prayers were offered by the Vicar, and the Congregational Minister read portions of Scripture. The hymns sung were ‘All people that on earth do dwell,’ and ‘O God, our help in ages past,’ The Town and Salvation Army Bands accompanied. The ceremony closed with the sounding of the ‘Last Post,’ and ‘Reveille,’ and the first verse of the National Anthem was sung. Many floral tributes were placed around the statue. The Territorials provided a Guard of Honour, and a detachment of the Berks Yeomanry and also of the Boy Scouts were present.

The Abingdon Corporation employees had an outing on Saturday week to Southampton by charabanc. The party started at 7 a.m, and several pleasant hours were spent in the town, the outing altogether being very enjoyable.

The Abingdon Licensing Magistrates, who have granted to certain houses extension of hours on market days until Sept 27th are making an application to the Home Office for an alteration of the opening hours on market day, the hours suggested being 11.30 – 4.30 and 7 to 10. It is stated that the Magistrates are opposed to the keeping open of licensed houses later than 10 p.m, and suggest that the ordinary hours should 10.30 – 2.30 and 6 to 10.

24th September
The War Memorial which, as reported last week, was unveiled by the Earl of Abingdon, is described as a monumental structure, in height of 14ft, with a base of 5ft by 6ft, and is in the Roman Doric style. The steps and column are in blue-grey Pennant Stone, and the remainder in Portland stone. One panel is a figure of a soldier with bowed bead, and arms reversed, and the sides bear the names of 228 men who fell in the war. Other portions bear carved laurel wreaths, the Borough Arms, and also the following inscription: ‘This memorial is raised by the people of Abingdon to the men of this town who gave their lives that others might live in freedom and peace.’ The date of erection and the name of the Mayor is inscribed on the base.

The prices at Abingdon market on Monday last were very steady, but the supplies were good. About 60 store and fat beasts changed hands, also nearly 100 calves. Fat sheep and lambs numbered 147, and the pigs penned numbered close on 200.

30th September
At the Borough Police Court on Tuesday, Alfred James Butcher, ?at mender, of no fixed abode, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Stert Street on Wednesday last week. The police said that the prisoner was singing and shouting to the annoyance of passers-by. Prisoner said some friends had given him a drink. He was sentenced to seven days’ hard labour.

Morris Fitzgerald Ledward, of 46, Bath Street, Abingdon, pleaded guilty to removing a dog out of the borough of Henley without a licence on September 6th, and was fined £1

Maria Stone, No. 4. Court 3, West St. Helen’s Street, Abingdon, was fined 1s for allowing her chimney to be on fire on September 16th. The Mayor paid the fine.

Lizzie Bennett, 22, The Abbey, Abingdon, was charged with stealing a quantity of pipes, tobacco, and cigarettes, the property of William Hathaway, tobacconist, Abingdon. Defendant pleaded guilty and was fined 50s.

Thank you for the extracts to the Faringdon Advertiser and Vale of the White Horse Gazette on the British Newspaper Archive. Adverts came from the same newspaper where Heelas, Ford, and Punch have regular picture adverts. The picture of the unveiling of the War Memorial came from my scrap book, and The Earl of Abingdon is from the Tatler.

6th August

There were no special holiday attractions in Abingdon on Monday, the day being chiefly spent in boating, picnics &c. Railway day excursions to the seaside took a goodly number and the attractions in the immediate neighbourhood was a garden fete at Sutton Courtenay Manor House, opened by Mrs Asquith.

A very successful and enjoyable afternoon garden fete in connection with the Church of England Waifs and Strays Society was held on Thursday last in the beautiful grounds of Bayworth Manor, at Sunningwell near Abingdon. Mr Harrison Hill gave an entertainment of humorous recitals and piano playing variations.

At the Abingdon Church Girl’s School prizegiving last week Mrs Bailie of Caldecott House distributed the prizes, and also gave a selection of books to the school library. The Bishop’s Prize was won by F. Lay and for perfect attendance for the year by Mary and Mabel Woodley, V. Joyce, C. Wheeler, H. Plowman and R. Belcher.

Certificates of having passed in the local examination of the Royal College of Music have been won by Eunice A Chivers and Norah Faulkner of Abingdon.

13th August

The supplies of Abingdon cattle market on Monday last included 16 fat and 12 store beasts, 71 calves, 272 fat sheep and lambs, and 92 fat and store pigs. Brisker trade prevailed than of late and prices were of a- firm tendency.

The Abingdon Young Helpers’ League for helping the Barnardo’s Homes have collected by boxes the sum of £11 during the past year. The annual meeting was held in the Mill Gardens, tea and games being provided.

The Abingdon Cottage Hospital governors have received the sum of £10 from the proceeds of the Berks Constabulary Sports held at Wallingford last month

‘People one would hardly think would go and live in workhouse are asking for married couples’ quarters at Oxford Workhouse,’ said Counsellor Ludlow, a Labour member, at the council meeting on Friday. No fewer than 24 applications for these quarters had been received, it was said. It was added, however, that this accommodation was being reserved for those evicted from insanitary properties.

20th August

The Bishop of Reading, for many years resident at the Abbey, Abingdon, and now living at Bournemouth, was the recipient of many hearty congratulations on entering his 94th year on Thursday in last week.

A musical treat was give at the Abingdon Baptist Chapel, Oak Street, last week, by Miss Coxeter, late of Abingdon, who was visiting her friends. The talented lady gave a much appreciated organ recital, and Miss Sheldon-Peach and Mr E. B. Coxeter, gave interspersed sacred solos in fine style. The recital was given in aid of the funds of the Baptist Church.

The Abingdon Flower Show and Fete took place on Thursday in last week in the grounds of Caldecott House, lent by Mrs Bailie, who also threw open the beautifully kept gardens. The entries for the show numbered upwards 400, which was considered good considering the drought. There were also a large number of exhibits not for competition. A bee-keeping demonstration was given by Mr Heeps, Berks County Council Expert. The South Berks Silver Band was engaged. The side shows consisted of concerts by “The Cheerios,” competitions, fancy dress parade, May-pole dances by Elementary School Children, etc. The attendance was good especially in the evening.

27th August

The only case at the Borough Police Court on Tuesday was that of Michael Hennesey, of no fixed abode, who pleaded guilty to breaking a window in a cottage in the Abbey, and for assaulting P.O. Goodenough at the same time and place. Defendant was sentenced to one month’s hard labour on each count to run concurrently.

The Abingdon Branch of the Y.M.C.A. held an evening garden party on Thursday last, in the grounds of the Warren, Radley Road, the residence of Sir George and Lady Mary Dashwood. There was a good attendance, and the programme included tennis, clock golf, bowling and a capital concert. A very pleasant evening closed with the National Anthem.

The cook at the Abingdon Workhouse, who had resigned, has now consented to stay on at a salary of £45 per annum, and to this the Board has agreed.

A lad named Carter, of Winsmore Lane, Abingdon, was pluckily rescued from drowning last week by Harry Warrwick, of 10, Margott’s Road, Abingdon. The lad fell from a wall near the canal into the river, and was in imminent peril of being drowned when his rescuer promptly jumped in fully dressed and saved him.

The Abingdon Lawn Tennis Tournament was revived this year, and the rounds and finals occupied four days. The attendance of spectators was very meagre, but the entries were good.

Thank you for the extracts to the Faringdon Advertiser and Vale of the White Horse Gazette on the British Newspaper Archive. Pictures came from the British Newspaper Archive. There is also a picture of Haymaking at Lodgehill, and some recipes. This year’s Heritage Open Days in Abingdon will have the theme of Edible England and the website will display what is on.

Daniel has taken some pictures over the St Helens area of Abingdon during this sunny spell at the start of the school holidays. They include some with the cockerel weather vane and lightening rod on top of the steeple.

Daniel’s video, with the pictures, is on youtube.

From down below I took pictures of the four gospel writers on the porch of St Helen’s Church.

Matthew as an angel

Mark as a lion,

Luke as an Ox

and John as an eagle.

2nd July

An Abingdon angler last week caught a barbel weighing 9 lbs., whilst fishing from Abingdon Bridge.

An accident befell Ruby Chapman, aged 6 years (daughter of T. Chapman, Spring Road. Abingdon). Whilst playing near the Ock Bridge, she fell from the parapet and sustained a fractured leg and was taken to the Abingdon Cottage Hospital.

The High Sheriff of Berks (Sir Mortimer Singer) and Lady Singer gave a brilliant garden party at their mansion residence on Milton Hill, on Thursday last. Over 250 accepted invitations. Van Lier’s famous band gave delightful music, and Mlle. Lunina and Michel gave exhibitions of modern dances.

Alderman Arthur Preston has been elected to the Fellowship of the Society of Antiquaries.

Alexandra Day was this year celebrated on Saturday last at Abingdon. A representative Committee arranged numerous competitions, children’s balloon processions, stalls, etc., and the day’s proceedings concluded by a popular concert in the Corn Exchange. The Abingdon Town Band gave selections in the afternoon and evening.

Early on Sunday morning last, during a heavy thunderstorm, the lightning struck the Club House on the Frilford Heath Golf Links, and the building was briefly destroyed, with its contents. The damage is estimated to run into four figures. The whole building was burnt down in less than an hour. The Fire Brigade could not be summoned in time to be of use, as the wires would not act.

9th July

The only case at this Court on Tuesday last was that of Edward Emerton, of the Abbey, Abingdon. for cycling without lights in the Vineyard, he and was fined 5s.

The Vicar of Abingdon, (Rev. A. H. Kennedy) has so far recovered from his illness to be able to help in the services during this month.

The Boy Scout movement has been resuscitated, and F. Duncan has been elected Hon. Scoutmaster, and Mr J. E. Gibbens as Scoutmaster.

A motor accident occurred on the Oxford Road, Abingdon, on Thursday evening in last week, when a collision occurred between a Ford car (with four passengers from Reading) and a telegraph pole. The car was much damaged, but the occupants escaped with somewhat slight injuries.

The National Association of Bakers, have, by poll of members throughout the United Kingdom, elected Mr G. F. Palmer, of Stert Street, Abingdon, as a member of the Council with a total of 590 votes.

The Abingdon Branch of the Women’s Temperance Association, held a garden party on Thursday afternoon in last week, at the residence of Councillor H. T. Clark, J.P ,of Wayste Court, Bath Street, Abingdon, when over 160 attended. There was a concert, also speeches and competitions.

The Abingdon Bowling Club have held competition to decide who should. represent the Abingdon Club for the Berks Championship, and the honour fell to Mr J. E. Greenwood

16th July

The winner of the Alexandra Day guessing competition of the gross receipts was W. J. Vasey, whose guess was £366 6d, the actual amount being £367 5s 1d. The prize was a good river-steamer trip.

The Abingdon Constitutional Association had a river trip to Moulsford and Day’s Lock on Thursday in last week, when a large number of members and friends spent an enjoyable day.

The total rainfall registered in Abingdon for the month of June was only 0.36 inches.

The births and deaths recorded for Abingdon and adjoining hamlets for the past quarter were 62 births and 24 deaths. The births, which were 29 males and 23 females, were 19 less, and the deaths 7 less than in the corresponding quarter last year.

The following have been allowed £62 12s each from the Alexandra Day celebration at Abingdon:— Oxford Infirmary, Oxford Eye Hospital, Abingdon Cottage Hospital, Abingdon Sanatorium, and North Berks Nursing Association.

At this County Bench Court on Monday Jamieson Muir, of Patrick’s Hall, Reading, was charged on three counts of being drunk whilst in charge of a motor car, driving to the danger of the public, and driving without license, on the Oxford Road. It appeared that the defendant, with three others, were rolling against one another in the car, which was swerving from one side of the road to the other, and ultimately collided with a telegraph post. The Bench sentenced the defendant to 14 days without hard labour on the first charge, fined him £20 for the second and £6 for the third.

23rd July

The Abingdon Comrades of the Great War held their annual fete on Saturday last in the grounds of Barton Court, Radley Road. The Abingdon Pavlova Band was in attendance and dancing was indulged in into the evening. There were children’s sports, and a tug-of-war prize went to the Council School.

The hospitals scheme, recently promoted in aid of the Radcliffe Infirmary, is progressing. At the quarterly meeting the General Hon. Sec. (Mr Archie Staniland) stated that the house-to-house collection for the quarter was £153 10s, and there were 50 volunteer collectors, and 1,467, contributors to the scheme. In addition several firms were working the scheme, and the amounts were as follows: —The Clothing Factory £46 1s 6d. Morland and Co., Ltd. £7 2s, Borough Surveyor’s Staff £5 6s 10d. and the Pavlova Leather Co. £42.

Early Friday morning in last week the Abingdon Fire Brigade was called to a fire at the farm in the occupation of Messrs Watts and Son, whereby a large barn and two ricks of straw were totally destroyed. The Abingdon Brigade were assisted by the Wantage and Ardington Fire Brigades. The farm house, occupied by Mrs Cowdrey, was in great danger, the rafters having caught fire. The furniture was removed. With numerous helpers with buckets of water it was prevented from spreading over the whole of the house.
30th July

A sale of work in connection with the funds of the Abingdon Salvation Army was held in the local citadel on Thursday afternoon. The sale was opened by Mrs Bailie, of Caldecott House, who was accompanied by Lady Norman and the Mayoress of Abingdon (Mrs R W. Langford).

The funeral took place last week at Abingdon, of an old Abingdon Gas Company employee, viz., Harry Webb, who was highly respected in the town. He was 44 years at the Abingdon Gas Company, and died at the age of 70 and was an old Oddfellow.

The finals in the competition bouts for the Preston Challenge Cup were played on the Abingdon Park on Thursday afternoon and evening in last week. In the finals, after a keen game. Palmer Park Club, Reading beat Wantage 29—16.

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