Article by Miranda Norris Senior Reporter reporting on the stand down parade at RAF Brize Norton attended by Princess Anne marking the end more than 100 years of service. On June 30, the iconic Hercules retired from service in the Royal Air Force, coinciding with the stand-down of No. 47 Squadron. The Princess Royal, who served as the Honorary Air Commodore to RAF Brize Norton, reviewed the Squadron on parade, commemorating their proud history.
Funeral service for Les Harrison held in St Mary's Church on 23rd May 2023 Les Harrison he was married to Winifred who died 5.12.2017. They had two children, Winifred and Nigel. Les’s father Jack Harrison , as the butcher located at what is now Pear Tree Cottage in the High Street. A real old fashioned butchers’ shop with whole carcasses hanging from hooks in the ceiling. He later moved to the small shop (now Bampton Coffee House) attached to The Stores in the Market Square. Les also had a sister called Ruth.
Article about Morris Dancing of Bampton in the Bush from the Reading Standard 25th July 2014?. edited from Article in Daily Chronicle September 1914, both copies attached
Newspaper announcement for the funeral of Mike Dowley to be held at South Oxfordshire Crematorium, Garford on 27 July 2023. Mike was married to Pam and was 82 years old.
The post box topper was made by two talented ladies:Mandy Wileman and Lynn Smith of St. Mary's Court. It was made to celebrate the coronation of King Charles 111. Mandy also crocheted two post box toppers to celebrate Morris Dance Day. Sadly, one was stolen and the second was thrown into the road. These two stoic ladiies were not to be beaten. They crocheted a beautiful Christmas tree, which they took to the Market Square and displayed at the switching-on of the Christmas lights. This enabled them to raise £25.00 for the charity; Help for Heroes. Well done, Mandy and Lynn.
From left to right, Marion MacNab, Cath Bradbury, Les MacNab (Landlord Jubilee), Maggie Mace, Don Bradbury (Landlord Horseshoe), John Rainey (Landlord Elephant & Castle), Tom Mace, Harry Walton (Landlord Talbot) and Helen Rainey.
John and his wife Lizanne have lived in Bampton for many years and for much of that time they were churchwardens and sacristans. They were a couple who just quietly did much for the village without fanfare. Lizanne made recycled cards for several years which were much sort after in the Vesey room. It’s good to know their three sons don’t live far away and promised John they would take good care of Lizanne.
Jean Countess of Donoughmore, who died aged 89, was kidnapped by the IRA along with her husband in 1974. The Earl and Countess of Donoughmore were kidnapped from their home in Knocklofty, Clonmel, Co Tipperary in June 1974. She married John Michael Henry Hely Hutchinson in 1925. He was the elder son of the 6th Earl of Donoughmore. During the second World War she was in charge of the Red Cross in the East End of London and was made an MBE for her work in 1947. Following the death of the 7th Earl of Donoughmore in 1981, he was succeeded as the 8th Earl by his son , who came to live at Bampton Manor, Broad Street and later at Frogwell, Bushey Row.
Newspaper article about the cancellation of 2023 Shirt Race, which had been one of Oxfordshire’s most popular social events was cancelled in 2023 , The historic Great Shirt Race at Bampton, organised by the Spajers (the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Junketing) - has delighted hundreds of people annually for seven decades. Cancelled because three committee members had resigned. Don Rouse, one of the organisers still in post, was Master of Ceremonies at this race since 1970. The modern version began in 1953 when village gasman John Quick, farmer Doug Read and fishmonger Paul Bevington dreamed up the idea of a pram race through the streets to celebrate the Queen’s Coronation.
Beautiful Illustrated Certificate (unfilled) to Certify membership of Ancient Oder of Foresters Friend Society; Before our National Health System came into being in July 1948, people could pay a little each week into a club or Friendly Society and if they should find themselves unable to work through illness or accident.