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.
Dutton the grocery shop also contained a bank and when the bank became Midland Bank and moved to a property next-door-but one, George moved out of the shop to run the bank full time and sold the grocery business to Bill Mathews.
Workhouse yard in Weald was a row of 6 cottages, two faced the road and four went at right angles away from the road. The two which faced the road were demolished at least as early as 1968.
Arthur Hill and Mr Fred Lomas crossing a very quiet High Street. Arthur Hill had the little antique shop, now the hairdresssers, next to The Horseshoe. It was stacked to the ceiling , with just a small path through to view the many antiques. Arthur would often refuse to sell items, particularly if they were in the window. Fred Lomas, in his later years, was the guard at The Midland Bank, opposite Arthur's shop. Duttons at this time was a greengrocers, delicatessen and pharmacy.
These children are sitting on the church wall passing time waiting for the bride and groom to come out of the church. The children includeKen LomasStan RadbandEllen CurtisPatricia and Pauline HooperSusan Hunt.
Mrs Brooks of Mill Green showing a cross in the window to indicate a member of the family is away at war. WWI. She was the mother of Brannon Brooks and mother-in-law to Nellie Brooks
Bernard Dafter used to live at Home Farm in the High Street. The farm buildings were behind the house and he rented land north of New Road when there were not houses north of the road.
Private William Johnson Ox & Bucks Light Infantry 5th Battalion 10677 A Company. His granddaughter Pamela Smith has put together these items.
William was the first young man in Bampton to volunteer and the town awarded him a clock for this. He was also the first soldier to be awarded the Military Medal. This account by Pamela recounts his battles, the conditions, Christmas and much more.
Only five different medals were struck during the war and William was award four.
A newspaper account of the home-coming of William January 1916. William had already been award the Distinguished Conduct Medal for bravery in the field for recovering lieutenant Wood. He was met at Bampton & Brize Norton station by Mr Alfie Bryant in a car kindly lent by Mr Collett. A rapturous welcome awaited him in Bampton and he was presented with a handsome marble clock inscribed "Presented by friends in Bampton to Pte William Johnson O.B.L.I. on being awarded the DCM for gallantry in action 1915.