MG cars have been a part of British motoring for 100 years, and Abingdon played a big role in the marque’s history. Today, a number of MG Vintage and MG Triple M cars were on display in Abingdon Market Place as part of the MG100 celebrations.

The MG marque was founded in 1923 by Cecil Kimber. The first MG car, the MG Midget, was produced in 1924. MGs were built in Abingdon from 1928 to 1980.

There will be a larger event for all MGs at Silverstone from 10th – 11th June.

For more information about the MG100 celebrations please visit the MGCC website www.mgcc.co.uk/mg100/.

Thank you to Martin Wackenier for the pictures.

DROWNING. About nine o’clock on Thursday evening, several young men were walking along the towpath on the Oxfordshire side of the river when one noticed something pass in the centre of the water. He called Mr F T Buckle of 55, East St Helen Street, assistant to Mr Bottrell, who was on the landing stage and rowed out and recovered the body of a boy named Arthur Bevis of No 1 , Court 7, West St Helen Street. Artificial respiration was tried by a number of willing volunteers for about an hour and a half. Dr Scott, however, pronounced life to be extinct. An inquest will be held.

BOROUGH POLICE COURT. Four Abingdon lads, Bert Taylor, Sidney Elleton, Frank Carter, and Daniel Dix of West St. Helen Street, were summoned for playing football in the street on April 26th. Each pleaded guilty and was discharged with a caution.

FOOTBALL. On Saturday, the Abingdon Minors met Wantage on the R.A.F. ground in Milton in the final of the North Berks League, and were victorious, winning by four goals to nil. The Abingdon Church School team played Northbourne at Radley on Saturday in the final of the Berks Elementary Schools League. The Abingdon boys lost by one goal to nil.

DISTRICT NURSING.—The Abingdon District Nursing Association will be affiliated with the Berks County Nursing Association, providing increased benefits. Two nurses from the Queen Victoria’s Jubilee Institute will be working with the local association, which has now been formed on a Provident Society basis for sick nursing benefits.

MAY FAIR.—The May Fair was held on Monday, giving the Market Place the appearance of the Michaelmas Fair, with roundabouts and other attractions. The fair closed by order at 11 p.m.

CRICKET SEASON.—The Abingdon Cricket Club commenced the season on Saturday when they hosted St. Edmund’s Hall, Oxford. After declaring for nine wickets, the town team lost by two runs.

BAPTIST CHURCH.—The recent rummage sale held on behalf of the Church Renovation Fund raised £15 8s. 9d.

GOLF CLUB.—The Abingdon Golf Club, with links at Shippon, has been honored with the presentation of two challenge cups by the new Abingdon alderman, Mr. A. E. Preston. One of the challenge cups dates back to George III (1815) and is a handsome fluted cup. The gifts are highly appreciated by the members.

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.—The annual meeting of the congregation of this church was held in the schoolroom, The Square, Abingdon, on Thursday evening, with the minister (Rev. C. H. Gill) presiding. The meeting was preceded by a tea. The report of the Ladies’ Working Party, given by Miss E. Cox, and the report of the Sunday School work, by Mr. W. P. Gillingham, testified to activity and success. The report of the London Missionary Society showed that £16 19s. 6d. had been subscribed. The financial statement by Messrs. J. H. Gillingham and J. A. Greenwood showed an increase in the weekly collections. Mr. Greenwood (church secretary) mentioned that their pastor (Rev. C. H. Gill) had received an invitation to the pastorate of Morley Congregational Church, which the reverend gentleman then accepted.

EARL OF ABINGDON. The Earl of Abingdon, High Steward of Abingdon and heir presumptive to the Earl Lindsey, will receive many congratulations on Sunday when he will attain his 86th birthday, which will be spent at his Oxfordshire residence, Wytham Abbey. The founder of his family was Sir Henry Norris, who was created Lord Norreys by Queen Elizabeth for his services as British Ambassador to France from 1572 until 1597. Lord Abingdon, despite his many years, is very active and makes frequent visits to London during the season.

ABINGDON. MUNICIPAL ELECTION.—The vacancy on the Town Council has been caused by the elevation to the bench of Councillor A. E. Preston. There was only one nomination – Mr. A. E. Woodley of 33 Bostock Road, Abingdon, who is accordingly elected. Mr. Woodley belongs to the Berks and Bucks Football Association and is also the treasurer of the local branch of the Y.M.C.A.

WHITSUNTIDE. Whitsuntide was duly observed on Sunday at the churches of St. Helen, St. Michael, and St. Nicolas, each of which was tastefully decorated. There was a large number of communicants at the several early celebrations of the Holy Communion. The preachers during the day were the parochial clergy.

CONCERT AT THE UNION. A splendid program of music, etc., was given at the Abingdon Union to the inmates on Wednesday last. The concert was arranged by Mr. J. Sandalls, an old member and humorous entertainer at the Abingdon YM Social Club and popular concerts of the past. On this occasion, he was assisted by Misses Ivy Page, May Sandells, A. Broughton, E. Spiles, and W. Howard, as well as gentlemen performers. Miss Williams presided at the piano.

RACING SUCCESS. The first race of the Abingdon Flying Club, under the rules of the National Homing Club (PIgeons), was held this month. From a race flown from Salisbury, Mr. J. Hemming of Ock Street secured first place with a velocity of 994 yards per minute, and the third place at 979 yards. The second place was secured by Mr. A. H. Dockarty’s bird at 966 yards. The following week, in a race flown from Bournemouth, Mr. Hemming secured first and second places, with velocities of 1,004 and 1,092 yards per minute, respectively.

FOOTBALL. NORTH BERKS FOOTBALL WINNERS. Here is a list of the winners in various North Berks football competitions last season:

Berks and Bucks Mid-Week Cup: Reading Wanderers
North Berks Junior Cup: Abingdon Juniors
North Berks Charity Shield: Didcot R.A.O.C.
North Berks Memorial Cup: Wallingford Minors
North Berks League Division I: Abingdon Town
North Berks Junior League: Jointly held by Drayton and Childrey
North Berks Minor League: Abingdon
Abingdon and District Schools Cup: Abingdon Church of England School
Abingdon and District Schools Shield: Northbourne School

The Borough Council decided that a sum not exceeding £300 should be lent to the Fire Brigade to complete the purchase of the new fire pump which has been under trial.

The Borough Council resolved that the Governors of Christ’s Hospital be informed that the idea of taking over the Park and Park Roads did not commend itself to the Council.

The Railway Company to be asked to control the nuisance caused by mud and dust being carried from the Station Yard into Stert Street.

The vacancy for the Town Clerkship to be advertised at a salary of £300 per annum with offices supplied by the Corporation. Applicants to be qualified solicitors who can engage in private practice if it does not interfere with official duties

Thank you for the news extracts and adverts from the Oxford Chronicle and Reading Gazette in the British Newspaper Archive. Thanks to Chat GPT for removing some errors from the text generated from the newspaper archive. Council news is from Liversidge’s Borough Council records. The picture of the New Fire Pump in 1923 is from The Abingdon Fire Service by John Hooke.

The Abingdon Cottage Hospital is organising an “Egg Day” on Monday next, April 9th, when friends are asked to contribute a gift of eggs for preserving.

The Cattle Market was held on Tuesday this week instead of Easter Monday. The supplies were short.

The Mayor and Corporation attended St Helen’s Church, Abingdon, at the Easter Sunday morning service — an ancient custom.

The number of communicants at the three churches on Easter Sunday was as follows: St. Helen’s, 280; St Michael’s, 300; St. Nicolas, 138; total, 718. The offertories to vicar were. St. Helen’s, £61 6s 7d. (a decrease from last year of £7 12s 7d); St. Michael’s, £44 18s. 6d.; St. Nicolas, £13 5s.)

On Easter Monday at Abingdon, there were no organised sports, but there were many visitors by boat, motors and busses. The Abingdon Park Bowling Club commenced its season’s play.

NORTH BERKS AGRICULTURAL SHOW — At a recent meeting of the Society, it was decided that the next show should be held at Abingdon this year on September 13th. Sir Mortimer Singer, K.B.E., is to be invited to act as the president of the Society.

Two interesting football matches at Abingdon on Easter Monday drew a large crowd of spectators on the Town ground. The first was Abingdon Town v. East Hendred in the North Berks League, the home team winning 7-1. This match was followed by Wallingford Minors v. Hendred Minors in the final of the North Berks War Memorial Cup, of which Wallingford was the holder. The Wallingford team were successful in still holding the cup by 4-1.

The NORTHCOURT HUT. The 2nd Abingdon Girl Guides’ Hut was opened by MR M. T. Tatham, and a very enjoyable evening was spent. The efforts of the Butterfly POM Concert Party were much appreciated.

At the monthly meeting of the Abingdon Farmers Union branch, held at the Lion Hotel, Abingdon, on Wednesday evening, Mr F. W. Turner presided. A letter was read from the Ministry of Agriculture suggesting representatives of employers and employees should have a free hand in settling disputes. The North Berks Committee, however, were of the opinion that it would be useless to have another meeting, as the agricultural labourers would not entertain any wages under 30s Per week, which, it was stated, the farmers found it impossible to pay.

At the County Bench, Robert Brind, a respectable young man, described as a labourer of Spring Road, Abingdon, was summoned on five different charges of theft. The prisoner was sent for trial at the next Quarter’s Sessions. The prisoner served with the Territorials in the late war and had suffered from shell shock.

At the borough police court on Thursday, Frederick Johnson, a pedlar of no fixed abode, was fined 10s for being drunk and incapable in Queen Street the previous evening. The constable said the prisoner was helplessly drunk.

The Abingdon Primitive Methodists received a visit from the Rev B Sage of Reading. He was the preacher of a special service on Thursday evening. He gave a very lucid address on ‘Oliver Cromwell’. Mr T Leach presided.

A team from the Queen’s Hotel, Abingdon, visited the Lamb Hotel on ‘Thursday evening (the 12th inst.) to play a local team at Russian Pool. The event took place in the Hotel Billiard Room, with a good attendance to witness it. After some excellent play on both sides, Abingdon was successful in winning three games to two.

On Thursday morning Mrs Townsend, the wife of Heber Townsend of 42 West St Helen Street, went into the garden and left a fire burning in the kitchen. Five minutes later, she discovered the kitchen was on fire. A strong draught from the window may have blown a spark onto the hearthrug, which was burnt. An old sofa and curtains, and door also caught fire. The Fire Brigade arrived with the hose cart and dealt with the conflagration before it had obtained a strong hold.

Sympathy is extended to Lady Norman, 36 Bath Street, on the death of her son Colonel Walter Norman, and his wife in a boating accident in India. It is believed that their boat capsized in a squall on Khadakwasla Lake. Mrs Norman was unable to swim. Colonel Norman was drowned in a gallant effort to save his wife. Mrs Munro, a friend, clung to a piece of wood until rescued.

To celebrate the wedding of H.R.H., the Duke of York, and Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, a grand gaiety ball was held on Thursday evening in the Corn Exchange when everyone had a good time. The hall was tastefully decorated with lanterns and blue streamers. Prizes were given for the best fancy dresses.

On Saturday afternoon, Junior Elsie Alder, a member of the Young People’s Singing Company of the Salvation Army, was accorded an impressive funeral. There was a slow and impressive march of the Corps from her home in Broad Street to the cemetery. At the graveside, ‘Better World’ was sung, and a short address was given by Officers.

Mr A B Woodley of Abingdon, hon. Secretary of the North Berks Football Competitions and a well-known referee has been appointed by the Football Association to act as one of the stewards at the Cup final between Bolton Wanderers and West Ham at Wembley. This is an honour much appreciated by the town.

Thank you for the news extracts and adverts from the Oxford Chronicle and Reading Gazette. The Royal Marriage is from the Western Daily Press. All in the British Newspaper Archive. There are also stories from the Berkshire Herald.

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.