Airman, Reg Smith, married Albert Radband's sister, Beryl Joan Radband. He was the brother of twins Peggy and Dolly. Godfather of Jamie Wheeler. Marion Paintin said "Joan and Reg had two children Linda and Michael who married my sister Susan and they live at Brading on the Isle of Wight." Lyn Dunsby said "Linda lives in Lowestoft. She keeps in touch with my mum (Ruth Wheeler.) Joan was my mum's friend but we always called her Aunty Beryl as that was her other name."
The attendant at the back on the rigt is Sally Ellis. It's possible that the attedant on the left is Faye Fairclough (Smith).The picture is taken in front of The Elephant and Castle pub in Bridge Street. The building dates from the 17th century with alterations in the 19th century and in the 1960's. It seems to have been a public house for most of its life but it closed at some point in or after 2000 and is now a private house. It had a thatched roof until 1958 when a firework, let off some weeks before the 5th November, struck the roof and started a fire.
Bill Hudson MM was Frank Hudson’s father. His wife, one of Dora Townsend’s sisters died when Frank was 7 weeks old and Frank was raised by his grandparents on Castle View farm so Bill could go out to work; but Bill lived in Broad Street so saw Frank all the time. At one time Bill worked in Central Garage in the Market Square. In this picture he is seen with people from other outlets for Ferguson Tractors at the Fifteenth product course on April 29th 1947 where he represented Bathford of Swindon. Frank never knew his father had been awarded the MM medal until he found it when clearing Bill’s house after he died.
Photograph of Bill Hudson with others on a course in 1947. He was Frank Hudson’s father. His wife, one of Dora Townsend’s sisters died when Frank was 7 weeks old and Frank was raised by his grandparents on Castle View farm so Bill could go out to work but Bill lived in Broad Street so saw Frank all the time. At one time Bill worked in Central Garage in the Market Square. In this picture he is seen with people from other outlets for Ferguson Tractors, at the Fifteenth product course on April 29th 1947 where he represented Bathford of Swindon.
Written on the back of the photo are the names of the others Lenfield Engineering (Kent) - A.C. Jacobs Cortlett Sons and Cowley Ltd Isle of Man - Mr H Corkhill Tractors Swindon Ltd Bathfield Mr W Hudson Avon Valley Tractors Ltd Evesham - W.R. Frost Burgess Motors Stafford - E.W. Beard
This letter, dated November 1st 1944 was send by Stan Smith's commanding officer to Stan's father informing him that Stan was missing but may be a POW. He was a POW and near the end of the was became one of the POWs who took part in the what became known as the Long March. They were marched from East Germany keeping ahead of the advancing Russians. Stan walked almost 1,000 miles. He survived.
Funeral service of David Geoffrey Hawkins, held in St. Mary's Church Bampton. As David was in the RAF a tribute in the form of a flypast of the A400M was given and this can be seen at https://youtu.be/v26BlMQHg2E
These are brothers Jim and Dick Daniels. Jim is the older brother standing in the front in a scout's uniform. Dick is in the background. A few years later Jim joined the Air Scouts and did circuits and bumps and enjoyed it despite not liking heights. Their had a sister called Freda who became Mrs Freda Bradley and she wrote a lovely book about life in Bampton she recalled during her life.
