A man in charge of some cows was proceeding in the direction of Oxford after Abingdon market on Monday when he happened to leave one of them behind without knowing it. On going back after discovering the fact, he observed two ‘knights of the road’ busily milking the cow, using their cans as receptacles. The driver of the cows, either amused or amazed, let them continue with their work.
On Wednesday — before the Mayor (Mr. J. D. Godfrey) — two deserters from the Army, Privates James Taylor and Edward Beck, of the Duke of Wellington’s (West Riding) Regiment, were remanded to await an escort. P.S. Martin (Milton) said he saw the two men in uniform. On being asked for their passes, they stated that they were walking out from Oxford but later admitted they were deserters from Gosport.
The inmates of the Poor Institution spent an enjoyable evening on Monday when they were entertained by Mrs. A. H. Roberts, who brought over her school children from Dry Sandford. The programme was much enjoyed, and much credit is due to Mrs. Roberts for the way she had trained the children. The Master (Mr. R. D. Bushell) occupied the chair.
At the Fire Brigade’s annual meeting on Monday, the motor fire-pump fund was closed, with the Brigade making a final donation to cover the cost of the pump purchased in 1923. The total price of the new appliance was £725 13s. 4d., with over half raised by public subscription. The Abingdon Corporation contributed £200, and the Brigade itself covered about a fifth. The benefits of modern equipment were clear during the recent fire at Letcombe Regis, where the Abingdon Brigade arrived ahead of their Wantage colleagues, whose equipment was suited only for town use. Abingdon can take pride in its highly efficient Volunteer Brigade, which remains cost-effective to maintain.
Christopher John Pratley of The Abbey, Abingdon, was summoned for allowing his chimney to catch fire due to neglect. He denied the charge, explaining that the chimney’s awkward bend made sweeping impossible. The court dismissed the case but advised him to discuss repairs, to allow access for a chimney sweep, with his landlord to prevent a more serious fire.
A case of anthrax raised alarm in Abingdon after a local farmer’s heifer fell ill and died. Unaware of the danger, the farmer called a butcher to slaughter the animal, but by then, it was already dead. The spleen, significantly enlarged, was later examined by a veterinary surgeon, who confirmed it as a case of anthrax, prompting swift action from the authorities to prevent the infected meat from reaching the market. The case was referred to the Ministry of Agriculture for further investigation.
Thomas Beesley, a Tipperary native, was found rolling on the pavement in The Vineyard, claiming he had taken poison (strychnine and laudanum). A nearby medicine bottle added to the drama, but after a visit to Dr. Chalmers, an emetic revealed his true condition — intoxication. A known troublemaker, Beesley was sentenced to 14 days of hard labour.
Ann Barnet, a 72-year-old resident of the Almshouses of the Vineyard in Abingdon, died suddenly. An inquest was held, where her son, Harry Barnet, testified that she was active and had appeared well just days prior. The almshouse nurse, Elizabeth Franklin, explained that Ann had been under Dr. Scott’s care for rheumatism and bronchitis. On the morning of her death, Ann’s blinds were still drawn, and after gaining entry to her locked room, by a workman removing a window pane, she was found deceased. Dr. Scott attributed the death to acute indigestion combined with a weak heart.
John Harman appeared before the Borough Police Court on Monday, charged with being drunk and disorderly and assaulting a police officer. P.C. Couling found him intoxicated in the Market Place and advised him to go home, but Harman responded with foul language before striking the officer and tripping him up. With the help of a passerby, he was restrained, though more police were needed. Despite his otherwise good record as a Workhouse inmate, Harman was sentenced to 14 days in prison.
Miss Doris Minnie Williams of Stert Street married Mr. John Wilfred Drew at the Wesleyan Church. The bride, given away by her father, wore ivory crepe de chine with a lace veil and orange blossom. The bridesmaids, Miss Florence Williams (sister of the bride) and Miss Dorothy Faulkner, wore blue and orange shot taffeta dresses with black hats. They carried mauve and pink tulips and wore gold slave bangles, gifts from the bridegroom. A choral service was held, followed by a reception at the bride’s home.
Oxfordshire County Council sought to get legal counsel on Christ’s Hospital of Abingdon’s liability for maintaining roads and bridges, and are working with Berkshire authorities on legal action. Following a flood, part of Culham Bridge collapsed, but Christ’s Hospital refused to act. The county surveyor arranged emergency measures for public safety, and temporary road repairs were deemed necessary. The Governors of Christ’s Hospital were informed these actions did not affect liability. The committee put forward £600 for repair costs.
Past and present scholars of Roysse’s School competed in boat races on Culham Reach, with current students winning both first- and second-crew races. Past scholars included R. E. Eason, an Oxford rower from the previous year’s boat race.
Thanks to the Oxford Chronicle and Reading Gazette and North Wilts Herald from the British Newspaper Archive and to the North Berks Herald microfilm in the library. The advert is from the North Berks Herald. The Fire Engine is from The Abingdon Fire Service by John Hooke. The Picture of Trinity is from a postcard in my collection. The sheet music is from Ebay. All Rights Reserved.
