Long before the days when everyone had a TV and many IT toys and gadgets, the WI Christmas Party was much enjoyed my many children. This group photo was taken 1956 at a Christmas party given by the WI.

This charming little cottage used to be called Pedlar's Patch and today is called Sweet Briar. The gate is next to Emmies on Bridge Street and the house is set back from the road, behind other cottages.

This pylon was the framework that once held a windmill on White Owl farm. The farm belonged to Bert and Ted Wilkins.

Donkey Derby 2019

This view of St Mary The Virgin Church was taken looking across Sandford Field, probably in the 1950s but could be ten years earlier.

This newspaper cutting talks about the financial problems of the Morgan Brothers. They own and rent much land in Sharney which is close to the Thames SE of Weald, so there is local concern about the farming of their fields.

Two year old Suzannah and five year old Martin Landray trying out some of the glove puppets made by Jan Burrage of Carterton at the Arts Association craft fair. November 1974Clare and Hannah Green with some of the toys made by their father

Pipe Organ Restoration at St Mary's, Bampton.
Work started on February 17th 2016 with the arrival of a second hand electric organ for use while the pipe organ was dismantled, taken away, parts renewed, enhanced and created. These pictures show the work on the pipe organ and the frame that was done at Cousans in Coleville, just SE of Loughborough. The pictures were taken by Ian, one of the senior skilled workers at Cousans.

Tom and Sylvia Papworth in their newsagents shop on Bridge Street in 2003

After a magnificent fundraising effort, this historic building was completely reroofed in the Summer of 2017.

Now thanks to lots more hard work and generous support from the landlords (Bampton Exhibition Foundation), WODC and all our visitors, sufficient funds have been raised to carry out our long-planned improvements to the interior of the Old Grammar School.

A new staircase will create access to the wonderful upstairs space which hasn’t been accessible since the early 1960’s.

This new space will be used to display information on the history of the village of Bampton and related activities. In addition, we will encourage local groups to utilize the space for community talks, workshops etc.

Upstairs we will also install the latest technology to allow individuals and groups to access and research the substantial Bampton Archive. The space and furniture will be modular and totally flexible to create a fantastic community space and we will encourage the locals to explore, use and get involved.

The space and furniture will be modular and totally flexible to create a fantastic community space and we will encourage locals to explore, use and get involved in it.

Downstairs a new door to access the Vesey Room will be created and the room itself will be sensitively refurbished and fitted out with new storage and display furniture. We will continue to sell our fantastic range of Bampton Archive books and catalogues, an excellent range of local arts, crafts, cards, prints and memorabilia. We would like to introduce an enhanced range of items for sale made or produced locally.

We will also continue to hold our main exhibitions in this room. Normally we present three exhibitions every year all with a local interest. We also host exhibitions with West Ox Arts.

The library area will also be completely refurbished with the new doorway created beyond the staircase. The latest shelving system is planned which will allow flexible use of the library space and create room for extra book stock. There will be a new counter area and the very latest in computer technology for use by the general public.

A new kitchen area will be created along with downstairs toilet facilities for both the library and Vesey Room. A stair lift is also planned to allow access for all to the upstairs space.

In addition we plan to use the space upstairs and the space in the newly designed library to hold all kinds of events.

We are putting together a regular programme of talks, workshops and small events including but not limited to: Workshops to encourage youngsters to sign up for apprenticeships for some of the historical trades – for example Dry Stone Walling, Carpentry and Joinery, Thatching and Classic Car Restoration. Alternative Medicine – Exploring the Village Herbal, Nature and the Natural World, Environment and Sustainability, Cycling & Walking, Health & Fitness, Wellbeing & Mental Health, Book readings and signings with visiting Authors, Recitals, Creative writing, Children’s events, Local History, Arts & Crafts, IT Access for all, Film Shows, and much more