Abingdon Bridge Closed

The two bridges at Abingdon over the River Thames have deteriorated to such an extent that the local authority has been compelled to close them to all traffic. The immediate cause of concern is the condition of the navigation arch, which has been reported to the county councils of Berkshire and Oxfordshire as unsafe for both heavy and light vehicles.

Initial consideration was given to carrying out temporary repairs to strengthen the navigation arch and allow traffic to resume. However, subsequent examination revealed that there was little likelihood of success, and the proposal was therefore abandoned.

In response to the closure, the County Authority has drawn up plans for a temporary one-way bridge. However, it is not expected that this will be brought into full use before the middle of June.

Meanwhile, the local Chamber of Commerce has been pressing for more immediate action, including the construction of a pontoon bridge to restore connectivity across the river. Local traders report significant hardship as a result of the bridge closures. To mitigate the impact, they have urged that toll gates at Sutton Courtenay and Clifton Hampden be made free, easing the burden on diverted traffic.

Complicating matters further is the unresolved question of responsibility for the maintenance and repair of Abingdon Bridge. This issue is currently the subject of legal proceedings. The action has been brought against the Master and Governors of Christ’s Hospital, Abingdon.

Eastertide in Abingdon – A Quiet Holiday

Good Friday brought unusually warm temperatures for the time of year, encouraging many to make the most of the fine weather. Appleton and Tubney Woods attracted parties of primrose gatherers, while others enjoyed their first outings on the river. The three-hour devotion at St Helen’s, conducted by the Vicar, the Rev. C. S. Fleet, was well attended. Free Church services were held at the Primitive Methodist Chapel, led by Mr C. J. Lipscombe (Baptist). The traditional eating of hot cross buns was widely observed, and many children enjoyed taking their tea outdoors.

Easter morning was cooler, with rain setting in from midday until nightfall, though all the churches held special services.

Easter Monday returned to warmer conditions. Many football enthusiasts travelled to Reading to see the home side play Bristol Rovers in a return match. The Abbey House grounds were opened to the public in the afternoon, where the Wimbledon Band of the Salvation Army gave a well-received performance. The Abingdon Bowling Club marked the start of its season with a match between Saturday and Thursday players. In the evening, a dance organised by the Men’s Constitutional Association was held at the Corn Exchange.

Girls’ Club Singing

A lecture on choral singing was given at the Roysse Room to the Girls’ Club by Miss Nettleship, who is well known in Women’s Institute and musical circles. She illustrated her talk with a selection of folk songs, and her enthusiasm was quickly taken up by the girls.

They sang heartily, in unison, such favourites as Annie Laurie, The Poacher, and Strawberry Fair, along with many others. Miss Nettleship also taught the group a couple of rounds and a sea shanty, adding variety and enjoyment to the session.

Congregational Church Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of the Congregational Church was held in the schoolroom. The Sunday School secretary reported that there were 90 children on the books, with a regular attendance of around 75. There were ten teachers, though more were still needed.

The Ladies’ Working Group continued to meet weekly and was said to be carrying out useful and important work. The Girls’ Life Brigade had 12 members, while the Boys’ Life Brigade numbered 11.

Reports were also received from the choir and the piano sub-committee, which had been organising a monthly recital. Appreciation was expressed to the Rev. W. J. Chappell, who had just completed his first year at the church.

Overall, attendance was reported to have remained more or less steady.

St George’s Day Rally

The annual rally of Scouts in celebration of St George’s Day was held in the Abbey House grounds on Sunday by the Scouts, Rovers, and Wolf Cubs of the North Berks (Abingdon) Local Association. There are eight troops and eight packs in the association, and up to 30 September of last year the number of Scouts in the area was 239.

St George is the patron saint of the Baden-Powell Boy Scouts.

A large number of Girl Guides, Brownies, and Rangers were also present. The aim of the movement is, in a word, to develop character and to encourage happy, healthy, and useful citizens. Service is particularly the aim of the Rover and Ranger branches.

Application Under the New Marriage Law

At Banbury last Thursday, John Gerald Phillips, a minor residing at Adderbury, applied to the Oxfordshire justices for permission to marry Nelly Purbrick of Abingdon under the new marriage law, which allows the court to grant consent where it has been refused.

The application was opposed by his parents, Mr and Mrs Gerald Phillips of Frilford, who argued that the marriage would not bring their only son happiness, citing differences in social position. They said that the young woman had previously been in their service as a parlour maid.

Phillips told the bench that he was in love with the girl and honestly desired to marry her, and the application was granted by a majority.

A Fish Fracas in Ock Street

At the Borough Bench, before the Mayor, Mr J. D. Godfrey, Edward Lee was summoned for using bad language outside a fish shop in Ock Street.

Fishmonger Aubrey Belcher said Lee returned some fish around 10.20 p.m., complaining it was “badly crushed.” Although he was given his money back, he then began using “obscene language” and interfering with customers, in the hearing of “nine or ten men and women.”

A witness, John Joseph Gent, said he told Lee to “clear off before he got into trouble,” but was met with further abuse. He added that he took Lee by the arm and led him away, again telling him to “clear off.”

Lee, a labourer, admitted he “said a few words he ought not to,” but denied the extent of the language reported. He told the court he had challenged the shopkeeper, asking, “Why do you not serve lads the same as you serve grown-up people?” and, when threatened with the police, replied he “did not trouble if he got twenty policemen as long as I had my rights.” He also claimed the encounter ended amicably: “we shook hands… and I went home and never thought any more about it.”

The Bench disagreed, fining him 12s. 6d., including costs, remarking that bad language was “all too prevalent in Abingdon” and that men of his age should “set a better example.”

Abingdon Wesleyans’ Sale of Work

A successful sale of work in aid of church funds was held in the schoolroom of Trinity Wesleyan Church on Thursday afternoon. A wide variety of articles was displayed across a number of stalls, including those run by the Sewing Meeting, the china stall, a miscellaneous stall, an art stall, and a young people’s stall. Refreshments were also available.

The event was opened by the Mayor of Abingdon, Mr J. D. Godfrey, who remarked that the goods on sale represented many hours of careful labour, and expressed the hope that the proceeds would provide a fitting return for the church’s funds.

Pavlova Win Reading Cup

The final of the Reading Town Cup was played at the Abingdon Town Sports Club ground on Saturday afternoon between Caversham Rovers and Abingdon Pavlova.

After a closely contested match, Abingdon Pavlova secured a 2–1 victory, with goals from Winter and Woodley. This marks the third consecutive year that Pavlova have won the cup.

Darts and Shove-Halfpenny Matches

Twelve-a-side matches were held on Monday evening in the Assembly Room, Station Yard, between teams from the Railway Inn and the Air Balloon, Queen Street, Oxford.

Both the darts and shove-halfpenny contests resulted in comfortable victories for the Oxford side. Following the games, the evening concluded with an impromptu concert.

Acknowledgements

Thanks to the North Berks Herald microfilm in Abingdon Library for stories, and to the Oxford Journal in Oxford Library for the pictures. Thanks are also due to the British Newspaper Archive for access to the Faringdon Advertiser and Vale of the White Horse Gazette.