For 40 years Don Rouse developed and ran a Barn Dance band which at one time ran hundreds of dances a year both in the UK and abroad, and all the while Don was running a dairy unit. This account is written by Don and apart from documenting the history of barn dancing for 40 years from 1974 it all co-incidentally wonderfully documents the changes in society that feel to have taken much of the fun out of life. It's a wonderful read for anyone interested in social history.
Don McNeil with some of his pottery figures on exhibition at the West Oxon Art Association's Fair. 1974Tony Handley demonstrating the art of country chair restoration. 1974
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
Clare Dryden was invested as May Queen. Bob Harris, probably best known for presenting The Old Grey Whistle Test but at this point he was a presenter on Radio Oxford, put the sash on Clare. The ceremony took place in the WI Hall, Market Square. It is now the Village Hall.
Poster for the Spring Exhibition April 27th to May 31st 1974 which included works by Anthony Baynes, William Bunce, Laurence Fleming, Richard Hobbs, Claerwen Holland, Angela Mulliner, Charles Mussett, Margaret Ralston, Gary Woodley.
Young Alexander Keyser reads some of his prize work to his mother. Alexander from Aston came first in the under 10 age group poetry section in the 1973 writing competition.
This is the events brochure for May, June and July 1975 and a cutting from the West Oxfordshire Standard July 25th about the exhibition called 'Jackdaw.' It included many items whose attraction or beauty was incidental to their purpose.
In December 1975 prizes were awarded in the young writers' competition organised by WOAA. In the picture, judge John Skinner is giving a prize to Liz Matthews of Eynsham who won 2nd prize in the under 14s poetry section. On the left is Catherine Hooper of Abingdon who won 1st prize.
WOAA organised and held a Christmas Card competition in November 1975. There were over 150 entrants. Top picture, Mrs Angela Mulliner is looking at some of the cards with Anderley Moore and Heather Manly. The lower picture shows 11 year old Tim Manly holding the winner card, which he made. His prize was £5. The cards were all exhibited in the Gallery.
