{"id":35817,"date":"2026-08-27T23:21:33","date_gmt":"2026-08-27T22:21:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/abingdonblog.co.uk\/?p=35817"},"modified":"2026-08-27T23:21:33","modified_gmt":"2026-08-27T22:21:33","slug":"abingdon-100-years-ago-august-1926","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.abingdonblog.co.uk\/?p=35817","title":{"rendered":"Abingdon 100 Years Ago \u2013 August 1926"},"content":{"rendered":"

Abingdon’s New Vicar<\/strong>
\n
\nIt was announced in the Abingdon churches that the Bishop of Oxford had appointed the Rev. R. C. MacKeown as Vicar of Abingdon, succeeding the Rev. C. S. Fleet, who is leaving to become Rector of Newquay, Cornwall.<\/p>\n

Mr. MacKeown is no stranger to Abingdon, having been ordained in 1912 and appointed a a curate in the town. He quickly became popular through his good work and genial nature.<\/p>\n

During the First World War he served as a Chaplain to the Forces from 1915 to 1919, seeing action on the French and Belgian fronts, including the Somme. He was mentioned in dispatches by Field-Marshal Sir Douglas Haig.<\/p>\n

Returning to Abingdon after the war, he became active in parish affairs before being appointed Vicar of Fenny Stratford in 1922. He is expected to take up his new duties in Abingdon in October 1926.<\/p>\n

Abingdon Territorial in Camp<\/strong><\/p>\n

The two Abingdon platoons of the Royal Berkshire Regiment arrived at Chiseldon Camp on a Sunday afternoon, having travelled by train and then marched two miles from the station.<\/p>\n

The men were pleasantly surprised by the camp’s facilities. The huts, one for each company, had electric lighting, good washing facilities and lockers shared between two men \u2014 a considerable improvement on the bell-tents used in earlier years.<\/p>\n

Camp life began early, with reveille at 6 a.m. and parade at 6.30. After breakfast the men cleaned their huts before heading out at 9.30 for field exercises on the surrounding hills. These included attacks on positions held by other companies and outpost duties, with the “enemy” identified by white cap-bands and coloured flags.<\/p>\n

After returning to camp, the men had the afternoon largely to themselves. Some visited Swindon or Chiseldon village, while others spent time at the YMCA or NAAFI. Letter-writing was a popular occupation, particularly as the post arrived twice a day, at 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. <\/p>\n

With good weather and plentiful food, the Abingdon men were expected to return home fit and thoroughly browned by the summer sun.<\/p>\n

Telegram links Abingdon to Tragedy<\/strong><\/p>\n

A grim tragedy in a remote cottage in East Hertfordshire had an Abingdon link. Mrs Halse, aged 45, and her three children were found hanged. Mrs Halse had been separated from her husband in 1919 and was living alone with the children.<\/p>\n

Under the couple’s separation agreement, her husband, who lived in Devon, had the right to have their two older children stay with him for a month each year. He had not exercised this right in previous years and was due to have them for the first time in 1926. He sent \u00a310 for their travelling expenses. A telegram from a bank in Abingdon had been sent to Mrs Halse, telling her that her husband was insisting that the children should come to him as arranged.\u00a0 But on Saturday he received a telegram from his wife handed in at Abingdon, saying: \u201cImpossible Monday; cannot change cheque in time. Writing.\u2014Madge.\u201d Mrs Halse\u2019s names were given as Mary Magdalene Gertrude.<\/p>\n

The father revealed that he did not know of the existence of the third child. The coroner believed this may have been the key to the tragedy. If the two older children went to Devon, their father would discover that they had a younger sister, whose existence had been kept from him.<\/p>\n

There was a further exchange about the Abingdon telegram – signed Madge. A neighbour said Mrs Halse was not out of the village, where she lived, on the Saturday when it was sent. The neighbour was asked if he knew who had handed it in at the Abingdon Post Office. He said, \u201cI have no idea. I don’t know where Abingdon is.\u201d<\/p>\n

The jury concluded that Mrs Halse had murdered her three children and then taken her own life, finding that she was of unsound mind at the time.<\/p>\n

Abingdon Horticultural Show<\/strong>
\n<\/p>\n

The Abingdon Horticultural Show, which was held in the Abbey House grounds was again attended with success.<\/p>\n

The perpetual silver challenge cup, given by the Society for the School gaining the highest number of points in the industrial section was won by Wootton School.<\/p>\n

The silver challenge bowl, presented by tradesmen of Abingdon, was won by Mr H. Drew, of Longworth.<\/p>\n

Mr. H. Westbrook was awarded the challenge cup presented by Major Ralph Glyn, M.C., M.P., for the best collection of vegetables, fruit, salad and flowers grown by a holder of an allotment of not more than 20 poles within half a mile of the Abingdon Borough boundaries.<\/p>\n

There was also some very good exhibits in the rabbit and pigeon sections.<\/p>\n

Numerous side shows and attractions had been arranged, and the Abingdon Town Band was in attendance. Dancing took place in the evening.<\/p>\n

Abingdon Board of Guardians<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mr G. Saxby presided at Monday\u2019s meeting of the Abingdon Board of Guardians when the Master reported that there were 107 inmates in the workhouse, the number for the corresponding week of last year being 100.<\/p>\n

Thirty-six men, two women, and two children had been admitted to the casual wards during the past fortnight, this being a decrease of 32 on the corresponding period of last year.<\/p>\n

An invitation had been received from the Secretary of Abingdon Horticultural Society for the inmates to visit the Show and about 30 had been able to go and much appreciation was expressed.
\n
\nA visit to Quaint Little Abingdon<\/strong><\/p>\n

The staff of the Theatre Royal, Leamington Spa, enjoyed their annual outing in August 1926, visiting Oxford and Abingdon.<\/p>\n

The party travelled by boat along the Thames from Oxford to what the Leamington, Warwick, Kenilworth & District Daily Circular described as \u201cthe quaint little town of Abingdon.\u201d They enjoyed a trip up the river and tea in the town before returning to Oxford for dinner.<\/p>\n

Golf Club Pavilion Break In<\/strong><\/p>\n

George Ballard, 26, of Court 16, No. 2, Ock Street, Abingdon, and William Arthur Woodley, Court 3, No. 11, West St. Helen\u2019s Street, were brought before the Abingdon County Bench charged with breaking into the pavilion of the Abingdon Golf Club at Shippon.<\/p>\n

The break-in took place overnight on July 30\u201331, 1926. The men stole two pairs of shoes, a pair of field glasses, 23 packets of cigarettes, seven golf balls and quantities of whisky, beer and minerals, with the total value put at \u00a37 17s 6d.<\/p>\n

After initially being remanded in custody, both men made statements admitting the offence. They were each sentenced to three months\u2019 imprisonment.<\/p>\n

Bank Holiday<\/strong>
\n
\nThe holiday spirit was much in evidence across North Berkshire during the weekend, helped by fine, warm weather. Large numbers took advantage of the sunshine to get outdoors, with heavy traffic on the roads and plenty of cyclists and weekend campers about.<\/p>\n

In Abingdon itself things were relatively quiet, as many residents spent the holiday elsewhere. Some travelled to Lockinge for the show or to Sutton Courtenay for the regatta, while the Gasworks sports at Oxford attracted others. Some travelled to the seaside on Great Western Railway excursions.<\/p>\n

Closer to home, the tennis courts and bowling greens in Albert Park were well used, while the grounds of Abbey House offered a retreat for those seeking a quieter day. The Kinema reopened after its vacation, and a dance was held at the Corn Exchange by the Abingdon Men\u2019s Constitutional Association.<\/p>\n

There was particular success for Abingdon Athletic Club at the Lockinge Show Sports. They won the North Berks Championship and Sir Mortimer Singer Challenge Shield, defeating the holders, Wantage A.C., by 63 points to 18. Wantage had held the shield for four of the previous six years, making Abingdon\u2019s emphatic victory a notable achievement.<\/p>\n

Wedding with list of presents<\/strong><\/p>\n

At the Trinity Wesleyan Church on Tuesday Miss Nan Ricketts, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Ricketts, Oxford Road, Abingdon, was married to Mr. Henry Palmer Tame, of Leek, Staffordshire, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. G. Tame, of The Vineyard, Abingdon.<\/p>\n

The Rev. N. E. Dando officiated, and Mrs. Dando was at the organ. Mr. H. Edgington carried out the duties of \u201cbest man.\u201d<\/p>\n

The bridesmaids were the Misses Joan and Barbara Ricketts (nieces of the bride), and the Misses Clara and Alice Tame (sisters of the bridegroom).<\/p>\n

The bride was attired in a dress of white and silver metal brocade, with Juliet cap of orange blossoms and tulle veil, and carried a bouquet of white and pink carnations.<\/p>\n

The Misses Tame were in eau-de-nil georgette, with beige crinoline hats, and carried bouquets of shaded pink sweet peas, and the Misses Ricketts wore green crepe-de-chine dresses with silver leaf hair bands and carried bouquets of sweet peas.<\/p>\n

The start of the present list read as follows:
\nBridegroom to bride\u2014Mauve enamel and silver-fitted dressing-case.
\nBride to bridegroom\u2014Set of golf clubs and bag.
\nBride\u2019s mother\u2014Silver tea-service, household linen and electric standard lamp.
\nBride\u2019s father\u2014Cheque.
\nBridegroom\u2019s parents\u2014Canteen of cutlery.
\nThe Misses Tame\u2014Brass candlesticks.
\nMr. and Mrs. J. H. Ricketts\u2014Two-valve wireless set in mahogany case.
\nThe Misses Barbara and Joan and Master Tony Ricketts\u2014Oak and brass letter and newspaper rack.
\nMr. G. F. Ricketts\u2014Silver cruet.
\nMrs. Moores\u2014Silver fruit-dish.
\nMrs. Mears (London)\u2014Electric light-shade.
\nMr. H. Edgington and Miss Appleton\u2014Boot and shoe-cabinet.
\nMr. and Mrs. Brackley (Watford)\u2014Pair of framed pictures.
\nMr. C. A. Pryce\u2014Silver spoons.
\nMr. G. E. Winship, A.M.I.C.E., and Miss Winship\u2014Silver butter-dish.
\nMiss Carter\u2014Cut-glass salad-bowl.
\nMiss James\u2014Salt cellars.
\nMr. and Mrs. Scarrott\u2014Oak tea-tray.
\nMrs. and Miss Broxup (Hastings)\u2014Breakfast-set and tray.
\nMr. Benbow (Leek)\u2014Silver sardine-dish.
\nMrs. Jackman (Leek)\u2014Leather wallet.
\nMrs. Ball (Watford)\u2014Cheque.
\nMr. and Mrs. Batty\u2014Pair of flower-bowls.
\nMrs. Salmon (Thame)\u2014Fruit-dish.
\nMr. and Mrs. Smith\u2014Bag and cushions.
\nMrs. Carter (London)\u2014Silver vase.
\n…<\/p>\n

Hospital Board<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Medical Officer reported that since the last meeting there had been 12 admissions \u2014 three of diphtheria, eight scarlet fever, and one of enteric. There were 15 patients in the Isolation Hospital and 22 in the Sanatorium.<\/p>\n

The Matron reported that she had to thank the following for gifts: Miss Hooke, magazines; Mrs. Lowry, buns; Miss Mollie Langford, fruit; Mrs. Tatham, cake; British Red Cross Society, parcel of books; Waifs and Strays Society, flowers; Mrs. Ruby, books and papers; Primitive Methodist anniversary, jam and eggs; Police Sports, teas; Mrs. Ernest Langford, fruit, books and cakes; the Madrigal Quartette, a concert and fruit; Mrs. Duffield, flowers, magazines and sweets.<\/p>\n

Acknowledgements<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thanks are due to the British Newspaper Archive<\/em> for access to the Faringdon Advertiser and Vale of the White Horse Gazette<\/em> for some stories; the Dundee Courier for the story of the tragedy; the Leamington, Warwick, Kenilworth & District Daily Circular for quaint Abingdon; to the North Berks Herald<\/em> microfilm at Abingdon Library for additional stories and the advert; and to the Oxford Journal<\/em> at Oxford Library for the photographs of the New Vicar, Fishing and Earl of Abingdon.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Abingdon’s New Vicar It was announced in the Abingdon churches that the Bishop of Oxford had appointed the Rev. R. C. MacKeown as Vicar of Abingdon, succeeding the Rev. C. S. Fleet, who is leaving to become Rector of Newquay, Cornwall. Mr. MacKeown is no stranger to Abingdon, having been ordained in 1912 and appointed […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[83],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-35817","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-heritage"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abingdonblog.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35817","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abingdonblog.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abingdonblog.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abingdonblog.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abingdonblog.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=35817"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.abingdonblog.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35817\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.abingdonblog.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=35817"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abingdonblog.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=35817"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.abingdonblog.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=35817"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}