Crowds on the River
The town was full of visitors on June 1st, the fine weather aiding in the success of the Bank Holiday. Steamers arrived full of visitors, and by mid-afternoon not a punt or skiff could be hired. Tea gardens were full, with a charabanc party from Birmingham taking tea upon Mrs. Stevens’ lawn.

Chelsea Flower Show Success
Mr. H. O. Longford, of Withington House, Bath Street, has been awarded the Silver Gilt Floral Medal for his exhibition of tulips at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Show at Chelsea. Mr. Longford took up a collection of about a thousand blooms from his garden and arranged them in a circular bed 10 feet in diameter, around a figure of Mercury.

A Lively Paper Chase
The Junior Imperials held a spirited paper chase. The ‘hares’ were S. Green and L. Harvey. Starting from the Market Place, they laid a false trail at Winsmore Lane and then proceeded to Drayton Road via the Sewage Farm, on to Milton, Steventon, Hinton, Garford, etc., and back to the Abingdon Market Place, covering a distance of about 15 miles. They arrived home without being caught. F. Green, who arrived three minutes after them, was the nearest pursuer.

A Bishop Honoured

The Bishop of Oxford, who is expected to become a member of the House of Lords, was a visitor to the town on Wednesday. On the same day on which the announcement was made that the King had appointed him a Grand Commander of the Royal Victorian Order, he conducted the triennial Visitation at St. Helen’s Church, where he delivered his charge to the clergy of the Abingdon and Wallingford Deaneries. In the course of which he made some outspoken comments on modern marriage. Afterwards, a gathering took place in the Abbey House grounds, where tea was served. The Mayor and Mayoress and members of the Town Council were present.

P.S. The Bishop of Oxford Dr H M Burge has died at the Palace in Cuddesdon, Oxford. Dr Burge who was 63 contracted a chill towards the week-end after a visit to Abingdon. His condition was not regarded as serious. Last evening double pneumonia developed and the end came quickly.

Marriage at St. Helen’s
A pleasing wedding was solemnised at St. Helen’s Church between Miss Winifred Hawkins and Mr. William Froude, both of well-known local families. The bride was charmingly attired in a dress of white crepe-de-chine, with wreath and veil, and carried a bouquet of pink and white carnations. The two bridesmaids wore dresses of blue sateen beaver and carried sheaves of mauve iris. The couple departed for their honeymoon in Bournemouth.

A Storm Remembered
Twenty-five years ago to the day, in 1900, Abingdon was struck by a tremendous thunderstorm, followed by a fierce hail shower. Some stones were said to be “as large as eggs.” A photograph of them is on show in Mr. Warland Andrews’ window.

The Windows that Won
Abingdon’s shopkeepers entered into friendly competition, dressing their windows to great effect. Baylis & Co. triumphed in the food class, Chivers in clothing, and Bottrell & Co. in utility. The judges praised originality but noted some windows lacked a clear display of goods or ticketing, thus reducing their selling power.

Abingdon Girls win at Netball
The match between Sutton Courtney Girls and Abingdon Council Girls was played on the recreation ground on Friday. Sutton had two very strong players but the match resulted in a win for the visitors by 16 goals to 10. Refreshments were supplied by Miss Cross.

Boys National School Outing
On Thursday of last week 105 boys and 5 teachers from the Boys National School had an outing to Princes Risborough. Special railway carriages were chartered from Abingdon. The boys spent the afternoon climbing the Chiltern Hills and some boys visited Kop Hill to watch motorcycle races.

Lots of Sheep and Lambs
There were large supplies at Abingdon on Monday, especially sheep and lambs, which overflowed into the cattle and pig pens, the sheep market being insufficient to take the full supply. A good attendance of buyers created a strong trade, and almost an entire clearance was made.

A Brawl in the Vineyard
Raymond Hudson, of Thrupp, and Percival Clifton, of Didcot, were summoned for fighting in the Vineyard. Both pleaded not guilty.

P.C. Garratt said that at 10:15 p.m. on the evening in question he was on duty outside The Vine in the Vineyard, when he saw the defendants fighting with a crowd of people round them. He saw Clifton knocked down, and while on the ground, he was kicking out at Hudson, who was kicking at Clifton’s feet. With difficulty, the witness stopped them, and they accompanied him to the police station.

Percival Clifton said he and two friends came out of The Vine at 10 o’clock, and a friend named Drewitt was causing a row with Hudson. The witness went to part them, and while doing so, he was knocked down. All he could do was to kick, as he was unable to get up. While he was on the floor, the constable arrived. Drewitt backed out of it and went away — (laughter).

Raymond Hudson said that as he was coming out of The Vine, he accidentally knocked against Drewitt, who took offence and challenged him to a fight. Hudson said he would have nothing to do with it, but Clifton came up and said, “If you are going to fight Drewitt, I am going to fight you” — (laughter). Clifton knocked the witness down and fell with him. The witness got up first and defended himself.

The clerk asked, “Were you both drunk?”

Defendants (in unison): “No, sir!”

After a short discussion, the chairman decided the defendants would be fined 5s each, inclusive of costs.

For the news, thanks to the North Berks Herald microfilm in the library and the North Wilts Herald and Oxford Chronicle and Reading Gazette and LIverpool Daily Post from the British Newspaper Archive. Picture of the Bishop of Oxford By George Harcourt – Art UK: entry hubert-murray-burge-18681925-bishop-of-southwark-19111919-bishop-of-oxford-19191925-16122, Public Domain, Link. Picture of the Abingdon Beauty Spot tobacco card from Ebay. Advert of the Chivers shop from the book Around Abingdon by Pamela Horn.

Public Tulip Viewing at Withington House
A public invitation by Mr. H. G. Longford, of Withington House, Bath-street to see nearly a million tulips has been accepted with alacrity. On Monday afternoon, some fifty availed themselves of the opportunity; this number being increased to over five hundred on Tuesday, and over a thousand on Wednesday, whilst on Thursday, the police had to be called in to control the constant stream of visitors. People should remember that to-morrow is the last opportunity to visit the blooms and is open until 7 pm.

Postman’s Thefts
George Laurence Smith, of Park Road, Abingdon, a postman, was charged with stealing £2 10s. in currency notes on April 24th, and a currency note for 10s. on April 25th, the property of His Majesty’s Postmaster General. The defendant was sentenced to three months’ hard labour on each charge, the sentences to run concurrently.

Charles Franklin’s Church Model
Mr. Charles Franklin, an old Abingdonian now residing in the Long Alley Almshouses, Abingdon,  built an exact model of the early Norman Church of St. Nicolas, which faces the Market-place in Abingdon. Mr Franklin, who is now over seventy years of age, was a bricklayer by trade, and built the model by hand between the years 1885-87. Mr. Franklin has had tempting offers of purchase from London architects and an American architect, but Mr. Franklin intends that it shall become the property of his native town after his death.

Skiff Regatta to continue
The Mayor of Abingdon (Councillor Godfrey) called a public meeting in the Roysse Room on Monday evening to decide whether there was sufficient interest to justify the continuance of the Abingdon Skiff Regatta . The balance sheet showed a balance in hand of £3 7s. 9d. and a loss on last year’s regatta of £8 6s. 6d. After a lengthy discussion it was decided to hold the regatta this year, and that a society be formed to be called the Abingdon Skiff Regatta Association, the members to pay an annual subscription of 1s.

Band Sunday Church Parade
The Town Band held a church parade on Sunday, marching from the band room to the War Memorial, where they played the hymn The Supreme Sacrifice. They then proceeded to St. Helen’s Church, where they played a voluntary before the service, and also accompanied the hymns. The Vicar said the instruments sound all the sweeter through being used in God’s name.

Window-Dressing Competition

The town has been vigorously canvassed and practically every tradesman has entered the forthcoming window-dressing competition. The windows will be judged by two gentlemen from the magazine ‘Display’, a magazine devoted entirely to window dressing. The window-dressing will be divided into three classes: Food, clothing and general utilities. Each has first and second place. Voting papers will be issued to the public, and handsome prizes will be given to those who pick the winners in the same order as the judges.

Excursions to Wembley & Portsmouth
The Great Western Railway Company announced attractive cheap trips from Abingdon and district for the Whitsun holidays. On Monday there will be a day trip to Portsmouth and Southsea, leaving Abingdon at 6.15 a.m., whilst there will be cheap bookings to the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley.

Lost Library Book Appeal

We are asked by the Borough Librarian to appeal to anyone who happens to have a volume called ‘The Wonderful Weald,’ which belongs to the Free Library, to return it immediately.

Girl Guides Empire Day Sermon
The Abingdon Girl Guides attended the morning service at St. Helen’s Church on Sunday, the preacher being the Vicar (Rev. C. S. Fleet), who took as his text St. Matthew, xxiv, 42. In the course of his sermon the Vicar said: Each year strikes me as more extraordinary than we do not make more of the observance of Empire Day. There is something essentially ‘great’ in the thought of Empire Day — and we in England need something great to lift us out of the rut we get into, possibly, due to our living on an island. The Lord Chancellor, speaking at the St. George’s Day dinner, said: ‘I thank God every day that I was born an Englishman,’ but to-day our thoughts go further afield, and those of us who have British blood singing through our veins can think of our brothers and sisters throughout the world and thank God we are members of the great British Empire. It was easy enough during the war years to be loyal and patriotic, but never was there greater need for loyalty, for there are forces at work against the British constitution and against the Christian religion, which can only be counteracted by loyalty to God and the King. We are all very glad to see so strong a contingent of Girl Guides here to-day, and I congratulate those in command. Girl Guides and all kindred organisations represent the true spirit of loyalty, which shows itself not in force of arms, but in service for others, and I would like to remind you girls of those things that really matter — righteousness and loyalty — for in those two words are summed up all you owe to God and to the Empire.

Thanks to the North Berks Herald microfilm in the library and the Oxford Chronicle and Reading Gazette from the British Newspaper Archive. The adverts are also from those newspapers. The missing library book was from Ebay and the Abingdon Free Library stamp was made up.

Easter Activities

Good Friday (April 10, 1925), was observed quietly in Abingdon, with rain dampening outdoor activities. The traditional hot cross buns were enjoyed, though the street cry of ‘One a penny, two a penny’ was absent, indicating a decline in street vendors. A well-attended three-hour service was held at St. Helen’s Church, led by Rev. J. Mearing. The Free Churches held a united service at the Baptist Church, where Rev. W. J. Chappell, the new minister at the Congregational Church, delivered a sermon on ‘Jesus Christ crucified.’ In Drayton, the Wesleyan Chapel held an anniversary meeting, presided over by the Mayor of Abingdon, Councillor J. D. Godfrey.

Easter Sunday (April 12, 1925), was bright and fair. The Mayor’s official church parade, traditionally held at St. Helen’s Church, took place at Trinity Wesleyan Church. Rev. E. D. Green of Oxford conducted the service (Rev. N. E. Dando, the Mayor’s Chaplain, was absent due to a family bereavement.) The service included a sermon on the Resurrection. Some townspeople were disappointed by the change in venue.

All churches in Abingdon held special Easter services, with 875 communicants across the parish. St. Helen’s Church was decorated by a team of women, with special music, including an anthem performed by the organ and choir, and performances by soloists. The Vicar, The Revd C.S Fleet, preached at the morning service, and Rev. J. K. Sitwell preached at evensong.

On Easter Monday (April 13, 1925), the weather turned dull with rain until the afternoon. Abingdon Kinema’s Holiday Programme drew crowds, featuring The Gay Corinthian and footage of the Boat Race and Grand National. The Abingdon Bowling Club’s season-opening tournament was postponed due to unplayable greens. The usual holiday football matches were spoiled by the weather, but the evening was fine and was enjoyed by many who wished to take the air.

Other Activities
The Abingdon Branch of the Junior Imperial League celebrated its first anniversary with a concert and dance at the Corn Exchange. Major Ralph Glyn, M.P., emphasised the importance of local government and encouraged young members to pursue public service. Awards were given for election work, and the event featured music, dancing, and a humorous sketch.

The Abingdon Madrigal Society and Culham College Men’s Choir performed a sacred concert at the Corn Exchange, featuring Handel’s Messiah, which has not been performed locally for several years. The choruses were well-performed, and the soloists acquitted themselves admirably.

The Abingdon Chamber of Trade planned a window-dressing competition for May 1925, dividing tradesmen into three classes with prizes for the best displays. Additional contests included school essays, limericks, and snapshots of shop windows.

The induction of Rev. W. J. Chappell as pastor of the Congregational Church was a major town event, attended by the Mayor, Mayoress, and community leaders. Speeches emphasised the church’s role in addressing social ills and improving the town’s moral fabric.

The Northcourt Women’s Institute attended a regional meeting with 150 members from nearby villages, discussing agricultural education (bee-keeping, poultry, dairy, gardening). After tea, there were games and two competitions – both won by Northcourt.

The Abingdon platoon of the 4th Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment, was selected for the Southern Command Miniature Rifle Shooting Competition. The honour is especially notable given that the platoon consists of young soldiers, many of whom have only a year’s service.

On Monday last, a horse and heavily-laden van was being driven from the Market Place towards Bridge Street when the reins broke, causing the horse to bolt. P.C. Leonard Gould, who was on duty in the Market Place, promptly rushed forward and seized the reins, and was carried twelve yards before bringing the animal to a standstill. His courage probably averted a serious accident and onlookers expressed admiration for his bravery.

The Abingdon Imperials defeated Stanford 4-1 in the 1925 final of the North Berks War Memorial Cup at Alfredian Park, Wantage. Despite difficult conditions, the Imperials controlled much of the play, with Salisbury opening the scoring and Smith adding a second. Stanford pulled one back with a corner from Wheeler, but the Imperials sealed their victory with two more goals.

Thanks to the North Berks Herald microfilm in the library and the Oxford Chronicle and Reading Gazette, available through the British Newspaper Archive. The adverts are from the North Berks Herald and the Croydon Times.

John sent in this fascinating photo of the old bridge over the River Stert — a hidden route that links Clifton Drive to Boxhill Park through a gap in the hedge. He tells me he used the bridge many times but has no idea of its history. Perhaps someone reading this does?

One particularly curious detail: the large tree you can see in the picture isn’t just next to the bridge — it’s actually growing out of it. John describes it as quite extraordinary. And I agree.

There’s been some tree work nearby recently, with a number of trees felled along the riverbank, but the bridge itself appears neglected. John wonders why there’s no visible effort to preserve it. It’s not just a practical footpath, but a part of Abingdon’s history being slowly reclaimed by nature.

I know the Town Council manages Boxhill Wood, but I’m not sure who’s responsible for the bridge or this stretch of the Stert. If anyone has more information — perhaps about the bridge’s age, who maintains it, or what its original purpose might have been — John and I would love to hear from you.