From the Archives - July 3, 2008

12:29pm Thursday 3rd July 2008

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100 Years Ago June 27, 1908 Shipston'S annual June Fair was held on Monday. The High Street was as usual filled with roundabouts, coconut booths, etc. In Church Street the horse fair was well up to the average of late years. Mr Walker Barnard offered for sale about 80 horses and ponies. The trade was good - a decided improvement on the April sale. Plenty of buyers being present, there was a good demand for good horses. Cart horses made up to 30gns, cobs up to £25, ponies to £18. In the cattle market Messrs Frank Parson and Co offered for sale 800 sheep and lambs, 300 head of cattle and 250 pigs. The large supply of mutton met with a ready sale at almost recent rates. Shearhogs made up to 41s. Store sheep and lambs met with a fast trade. Bullocks made up to £25 5s. There was a good trade for milking cows, making up to £21. Pig trade was slow.

75 Years Ago July 1, 1933 Anniversary services were held at Stow Methodist Church on Wednesday. The afternoon service was conducted by the Rev C Ryder Smith, principal of Richmond College. Tea was provided in the Baptist Schoolroom kindly lent for the occasion, some 60 friends were present. A public meeting was held in the evening, presided over by Mr H Barfield, of Banbury. Solos were rendered by Mr H Sirman, who was a scholar in the Sunday school 50 years ago, and the Rev O R Johnson. Dr C Ryder Smith gave a helpful and interesting address on "Giving and Receiving," which was richly illustrated by reminiscences of 30 years ago when he was stationed at Stow. The Rev J Ranshall Rowe (superintendent minister), proposed a vote of thanks to Dr Smith and all who had helped make the anniversary a success.

30 Years Ago June 29, 1978 Showery weather marred Saturday's fete at Bledington in aid of the church and village amenities. Fortunately, the numerous stalls and sideshows on the village green were supplemented by a marquee and there were teas in the village hall, so shelter was fairly easily at hand. The opening ceremony was performed by Mr John Malcolm, stage and television actor, and attracted a particularly heavy fall of rain and he and Eloise, who judged the fancy dress parade, did so briskly. There was a large number of competitors. A bouquet was presented by Bledington's May Queen, Philippa Jones. Mr Malcolm was welcomed by Mr G Stayt, chairman of the amenities committee. Winners of the fancy dress were Jeremy Stephen and Kevin Tyack as the "Smurfs." Music was provided by Chipping Norton Silver Band.