An entertaining history of the Bampton Barn Dance Band by Don Rouse

Fascinating memories of the village of Lew and the people who have lived there, along with memorable events by Donald Rouse

First ever meeting held in the newly restored upper room of the Grammar School June 9th 2022. The upper room was named The Lewington Room after Jo Lewington, whose idea and dedication brought about this amazing restoration.

Taken about 1958 opposite the Elephant & Castle and by Castle View farm. Gladys was one of the daughters of Mary Elizabeth and Albert Townsend. Syd White and Bobby Wells in the centre front. Sisters Lynne and Teresa Rouse on the left edge.

This photograph was taken in the early nineties. In the background, on the extreme left can be seen the popular restaurant, The Poacher's Rest. Next to the restaurant is Adrian Simmond's shop. Further to the right it is just possible to see the little shop that was originally owned by Onisipherous Collett, who built a car in the garage behind the shop,in the very early 1900s. The shop later became Elsie Hughes's wool shop and later a newsapaper shop. It is now known as Exeter House.To the right of the picture can be seen The Market Square Garage. When it was demolished, it was replaced with Thornberry Flats for people aged 55+. The beautiful blue, 4.2 litre straight 6 twin overhead cam E type Jaguar, was owned by Mr. Jimmy Watts of Black Bourton.

Photo taken 1925 outside the Elephant and Castle. Jingy Wells is playing the fiddle and Reg Tanner is to the left of him as you look at the photo.

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.

Laura Hounam,. Jewellery exhibition in the Vesey Room. Witney Gazette 22nd July 2015.

There are three bits to this document.
The registered copy of the will starts on page 1 - TNA PROB 11/169/189
and ends - Acknowledged, signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of us Robert Vesey the younger, Thomas Napkin, Edward Bush.
The probate act, in Latin, translated is in purple
The sentence of the court, in a case brought against the executor by many of the beneficiaries, begins - TNA PROB 11/169/421