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.
Witney Gazette advertisement for the Bampton Street Fair of 1984, with small adverts of local Bampton businesses. A Simmonds in Market Square, sold everything from birdseed and dog food to shoe polish and fresh bread and Cakes. Mr Simmonds was well liked and respected. Wilsons Estate Agents , Butleres of Bampton Local Wine merchant Emmie Papworth Newsagents F Ham Market Square sold ladies and gents shoes Patrick Strainge Butchers, Duttons Wine merchants, Beers Spirits Fruit and vegetables Delicatessen WJ Lock & Son Local Builder and Contractor Painter and Decorator J Temple Hardware DIY Gardening Fishing Tackle
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.
Richard Briers used to live in Carswell on the edge of Bampton and came to Adrian Simmonds' shop in the Market Square to buy his pet food. He is in the shop in this photograph.
We were all sorry when Adrian Simmonds had to close his shop. It was like an Aladdin's cave inside and he aimed to have 6 new things each week. There is a letter to the Bampton Beam here from Toby Hopkins and one from Adrian himself.
