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.
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
Comments by Local Residents/emplyees, Steve Pearce said: - "Worked with Tom Papworth, Jack Day, ‘trickie’ Taylor, Val, Alan, Dave Taylor, Tina Foreshew, and Ben Neville was a lovely man helped me so much." Joe Stephens said: - "I think Richard Todd left his car White Aston Martin in John Tayler's Showroom at one time." Dave Taylor said- "Think that’s ‘trickie’ Taylor in pic; George used to be our foreman, spent years there before and after school and later years. Some wonderful memories, still go to solicitors which used to be our accessory shop when Ben Neville was there." Rob Crew said: - "Great memories. Not just a garage, I used to get my fishing licence there."
Document commissioned by Parish Council following a Meeting in October 1982 re: proposed new housing and effect on shops and facilities etc in Bampton. Report based on questionnaire completed by residents of Bampton. Facts and Figures of Population, Housing and Utilities of 1982/83.
This is the Bampton Directory published in 1982. Lists all the services, clubs, societies and organisations to be found in Bampton along with the contact details.
These pictures, all taken by John Grout, record the brief moment in time where the Market Square Garage was totally removed and before Thornberry Flats were built on the site. Bell Cottage, the little thatched house is clearly visible.
