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.