Quick links to 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953
This is version 2 of these diaries. Contains some added information based on photos in the archives, press cuttings and a few biographical details based on interview transcripts (kindly provided by Jonathan Leach).
Abbreviations used:
- SB1: First scrapbook of ATMD, covering up to 1971
- NBH: North Berks Herald
Except where there are notes in italic font, this is taken directly from the first notebook of the bagman, Jack Hyde, which is entitled: THE ABINGDON MORRIS DANCERS DIARY OF EVENTS FEBRUARY 14TH 1949 TO JULY 7TH 1951. Someone very kindly typed this out in the 1970s or 1980s which has made it easy to scan, though a few transcription errors have been corrected – we have the original notebook (and two more that follow).
The first page of Jack Hyde’s book lists the dancers, presumably those he thought would be active at the start of 1949. However, this was not to be the case. Percy Hemmings and his brother Charles do not appear to have danced in 1949 or later. and Ernie Constance, who had been a Japanese prisoner of war, did not re-join until 1953.
PERSONNEL
LEADING DANCER: T HEMMINGS, 100 OCK STREET
[Tom Hemmings actually lived at 144 Ock Street, but 100 is what is written in the book]
NUMBER 2 DANCER: C BRETT, SAXTON ROAD
NUMBER 3 DANCER: P J HEMMINGS, 45 JOHN MORRIS ROAD
NUMBER 4 DANCER: C HEMMINGS, CALDICOT GARDENS
NUMBER 5 DANCER: E CONSTANCE, SAXTON ROAD
NUMBER 6 DANCER: J GRIMSDALE, SAXTON ROAD
NUMBER 7 DANCER: J HYDE, 15 BOROUGH WALK
MUSICIAN: Mr F FRYER, WARGRAVE HALL
FOOL [blank]
HORN BEARER [blank]
MAYOR FOR YEAR ENDING JUNE 21ST 1950 [blank] – this is in different ink, so added later
TUESDAY 14 FEBRUARY 1949 A meeting was held on 15 Feb 1949. It was decided amongst the members present to practice twice a month, the first practice to take place at the “Happy Dick” on Thursday 3rd of March and to go forward with the programme for the summer months. the election for Mayor to take place on June 21st. A short practice was held during the evening for the first time since the war.
MEETING HELD MARCH 3RD 1949 Practice as arranged at previous meeting, very poorly attended. Major F Fryer kindly consented to play the tunes until a musician had been found.
MEETING HELD JUNE 16TH 1949 It was decided to hold our annual celebrations on Saturday June 25th. permission having been obtained from the Town Clerk and Police, for dancing to take place in the streets on that day.
MEETING JUNE 25 1949 Turned out in full regalia as arranged at previous meeting. Received a card from Mr Bardwell (Oxford Morris Men) conveying their best wishes for a successful day. The members present were: Thomas Hemmings, Charlie Brett, John Grimsdale, Major Francis Fryer, Mr R Annetts (Mr Drew, Horn Bearer), John Hyde. Dancing took place in Ock street starting at the “Ock street Horns” public house then up Ock street in easy stages until the Town Hall was reached. From there on to “The Crown and Thistle Hotel” where the dancing was watched by a large gathering. After a little light refreshments at “The Seven Stars” we made for Headquarters, arriving back at 10:00 pm. After a short display for the benefit of the customers and our supporters, and a number of trippers from Coventry and Lincoln we retired for the day. The sum of £7.13.0 was collected during the day, divided as follows: £1 each for the six members taking part. Mr Drew who acted as Horn Bearer for the day declined to take his share leaving a balance of £1.13.0 in the hands of the Secretary. It was suggested that the monies shared out should be ear-marked for expenses for future engagements and upkeep of uniforms and regalia. [note that there is no mention of an election for the Mayor of Ock Street.]
[Scrapbook 1 has several photos of the dancing in Mayott’s Road on this day. It looks like there are only four dancers (two of whom do not have white trousers), plus Tom Hemmings in the mayor’s sash with sword and cup, a fool, Major Fryer as musician and Stanley Drew as Hornbearer. Jack does not mention anyone doing the fooling, but from the photos it is probably William Hackett, a ‘local’.]
MEETING JULY 14TH 1949 Practice and social evening only “Maid Of The Mill” demonstrated by Mr J Hemmings, hope to include this dance in our programme shortly. [J Hemmings is most probably Jim Hemmings, brother of Tom, who was involved in the dancing before the war. However, the handwriting in the notebook is not that clear, and the J might also be a T (i.e. Tom).]
MEETING HELD JULY 28TH 1949 A letter of invitation was received by the Club through Major Fryer to visit St Albans Morris Festival which takes place from Friday September 9th 1949 until Sunday September 11th 1949, both dates inclusive. A very full programme has been arranged. It was decided to accept the invitation and to go forward with the practice dances. The arrangements made for the tour of local towns and villages by The Abingdon Morris was held over to a later date, owing to the Stratford week, 6th -13th August, Major Fryer will not be available until after that date. Next meeting to take place Thursday 18th.
MEETING HELD THURSDAY 18TH AUGUST 1949 Short practice and discussion concerning our visit to St Albans. Decided to postpone our tour as suggested at an earlier meeting. To meet again Wednesday August 31st.
MEETING HELD WEDNESDAY AUGUST 31ST Received full particulars of Morris Ring Meeting. Dances arranged for the festival were “Jockeys To The Fair” and “Princess Royal”. Had long practice, went through all our dances. Music supplied by Mr Bardwell, Major Fryer being sick.
MEETING HELD WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 7TH 1949 Ran through all our dances, Major Fryer was not able to attend owing to illness. John Grimsdale gave notice that he would be unable to go to St Albans owing to other engagements.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 10TH 1949 Proceeded to St Albans as arranged. Started from “The Happy Dick” 10:00 am. The party attending were James Hemmings -Mayor, Tom Hemmings -Leading Dancer, Charlie Brett -Dancer, Ray Hemmings -Dancer, Reggie Annetts -Dancer, John Gillet -Dancer, Major Fryer -Musician, John Hyde -Bagman, William Hacket -Fool. A very enjoyable day was spent by all, dancing took place in several villages en-route. Met up with Wargrave, Oxford and Headington Quarry dancers at Redbourne Common. Massed dancing took place there, afterwards proceeded to St Albans for tea. After tea all dancers proceeded to the Verulamium for massed dancing and club displays. Our team gave the Abingdon version of “Princess Royal”, music supplied by Major Fryer. Massed dancing and club displays continued until 7:00 pm, before a very large gathering and in beautiful weather. The Feast commenced at 8:00 pm, a real good spread, with plenty to wash it down. Speeches were made by the leading men of the Morris Ring, toasts were given for absent members and a hearty note of thanks to the St Albans Morris Men for a very fine programme.
Left Town Hall at about 10:30 pm to make the long journey home reached Abingdon 1:00 am. All proceeds were handed to St Albans Club to help defray expenses.
[Note that Jim Hemmings is listed as the Mayor for this event.]
MEETING HELD WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 28TH 1949 Practice and general discussion of the St Albans meeting. Demonstration by Tom Hemmings of “The Maid Of The Mill”, decided to continue practice of this dance in future at a faster tempo. Major Fryer and three men from Wargrave again attended.
MEETING HELD WEDNESDAY 12TH OCTOBER 1949 On this occasion Mr Bardwell from Oxford Morris Men paid us a visit and helped with the music. Invitation was received from Headington Quarry Morris Men to take part in their Jubilee Meeting on November 26th at Headington to commemorate the 50 years since the meeting of William Kimber and the late Cecil Sharp on Boxing Day 1899.
MEETING HELD OCTOBER 26TH 1949 The tour to Headington was again discussed with Mr Bardwell. It was decided to go in the afternoon as one of our dancers did not leave work until after lunch. Practised the “Jockeys To The Fair” dance, the one we had decided to open dancing.
MEETING HELD NOVEMBER 9TH 1949 Practice of all dances, including “Maid Of The Mill”. Wargrave Men in attendance.
MEETING WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 23RD 1949 General discussion about Headington meeting to be held on the following Saturday. Major Fryer did not attend, but sent particulars with Reg Annetts and John Gillet, he had received a letter from Headington that week, asking him if he could be there in the early morning to play for one of the parties so it was arranged that we should all be there by 10 o’clock, the one man we left behind would make his own way later in the day.
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 26TH 1949 Proceeded to Headington as arranged, arrived in good time. After a short rest at the village Hall we proceeded to a demonstration by the Headington Morris Men at Sandfield Cottage, the actual meeting place of Cecil Sharp and William Kimber, Boxing Day 1899, a lovely old place. Refreshments in the way of beer and buns were provided by the present occupier, very acceptable as it was a very cold day and raining at times. After that we formed up into three parties, and danced to very many people in different parts of the town, including the Laurels, a home for old folks, who very much enjoyed it, light refreshments were taken here. After several more dancing points which was shared equally between ourselves and Oxford Men we had lunch in Quarry Village Hall.
After lunch all dancers proceeded to Margaret School Assembly Hall. Massed dancing and individual club dancing took place before a large and very interested audience, in spite of the very cold and rather damp weather until dusk. Tea was taken in the Quarry Village Hall, church service at the Quarry Church from 6:00 pm until 7:00 pm, one of the bell ropes
broke just as we entered the church. The service was taken by the very Rev. Matthews who gave a very delightful address assisted by a curate who’s name I do not know. The Feast began at 7:30 pm, attended by many celebrities of the City of Oxford and Morris Ring Men, it was a good show. Toasts and speeches were made by the Chief Constable of Oxford, Mr Douglas Kennedy Director of English Folk Dance and Song Society and several others. We left at 10pm just as the fun commenced after giving the “Curly Headed Plough-boy” as a demonstration. Arrived home at 10:45pm.
MEETING HELD DECEMBER 8TH 1949 Short practice and general discussion on the Headington meeting. It was decided to suspend further practice meetings until the New Year.
Cash account for year ending 31st December 1949:- Receipts £7.13.0, Expenditure Postage £0. 7.0, Subscription Morris Ring £0. 2.6, Cash in hand £1. 3.6. Share out £1 per man £6. 0.0.
TOTAL £7.13.0
Except where there are notes in italic font, this is taken directly from the first notebook of the bagman, Jack Hyde, which is entitled: THE ABINGDON MORRIS DANCERS DIARY OF EVENTS FEBRUARY 14TH 1949 TO JULY 7TH 1951. Someone very kindly typed this out in the 1970s or 1980s which has made it easy to scan, though a few transcription errors have been corrected – we have the original notebook (and two more that follow).
MEETING HELD THURSDAY JANUARY 19TH 1950 Practice at Headquarters, all members from Wargrave attended. Arrangements for the election of Mayor was made, the names of Tom Hemmings and Charlie Brett, Jim Hemmings was suggested as likely candidates. Next meeting to be held Thursday February 8th.
[Headquarters was The Happy Dick]
MEETING HELD THURSDAY FEBRUARY 9TH 1950 Owing to illness no dancing or practice of any sort took place, the evening was spent discussing future events. Next meeting February 23rd.
MEETING HELD THURSDAY FEBRUARY 23RD 1950 Practice, “Sally Luker” seems to be a very nice dance, decided to go on with this dance, and also “Maid Of The Mill”. The names submitted as candidates for the office of Mayor were generally accepted by the members present. Next meeting March 2nd.
MEETING HELD MARCH 2ND 1950 Illness again interrupted the practice. Evening spent in a social and general discussion. Next meeting March 16th.
March 16th meeting postponed until March 23rd.
MARCH 23RD MEETING Received an invitation to the Feast of the Oxford Morris Men. Mr Bardwell, their Musician, played for us during the evening. Major Fryer still sick. Next meeting to be held at a future date.
MEETING HELD APRIL 6TH 1950 General talk on matters concerning voting for the Mayor. Practised “Sally Luker”, and the “Maid Of The Mill”. Suggested by the Wargrave men that we should include some of the general dances in our practice in preparation for the Ring Meeting to be held at Bedford this year. Next meeting April 20th 1950.
MEETING HELD APRIL 20TH 1950 Practice, all our dances had a full side. 4 men turned up from Wargrave including Fred Coxhead. Tom Hemmings notified by the doctor that he would be called to hospital for an operation, future activities in doubt. Next meeting May 4th.
MEETING HELD MAY 4TH 1950 A social evening, talk on the Oxford Morris Feast at the “Ock street Horns” Public House. Our own Headquarters “The Happy Dick” is now closed as a public house, the yard is still open for us to practice. Made further preparations for the Abingdon Morris day and election. It was decided to hold both the dancing and the election on the same day to enable all the many people, who have written to us, to see it.
[According to ‘Inns and Alehouses of Abingdon 1550-1978 by J.Smith & J.Carter, the Happy Dick closed on 14.4.1950.]
MEETING HELD MAY 18TH 1950 Practice for the Morris dance “Maid of the Mill” only, some alteration to the tune of “Curly Headed Plough Boy” was suggested, but not tried out.
MEETING HELD MAY 31ST Practice “Sally Luker” and “Maid of the Mill”, both dances seem to be coming along very well. Danced the rest of our dances, in preparation for June.
MEETING HELD JUNE 15TH 1950 Arranged for the voting papers to be printed and distributed by the two men nominated for the office of Mayor. Letter received from
Mr R Weston of Sidcup, Kent asking permission to take pictures of the dancing on June 24th, permission was granted. Replies sent to others also stating the general outline of the day’s programme.
JUNE 24TH VOTING DAY FOR THE MAYOR OF OCK STREET Voting papers were delivered to the residents of Ock Street, starting from “The Cock and Tree” – 300 in all. James Hemmings retired from the contest leaving Tom Hemmings and Charles Brett to fight it out between them. Voting commenced at 2pm. The Ballot Box was placed in the doorway of “The Happy Dick”, voters recorded their votes in the street, with the two contestants standing each side of the ballot box to see fair play, we were very fortunate having selected a very fine day. Many sightseers were present during the afternoon, many of them coming very long distances. Some excellent photographs were taken of the ceremony (see photo album).
[The Happy Dick was used as the polling station, even though it was no longer a licenced pub.]
JUNE 24TH CEREMONY CONTINUED Ballot Box was closed at 4pm. Votes were counted by Mr Turneaux [Furneaux?], master teacher at Boxhill Secondary Modern School and Mr Ronald Weston of Sidcup, in the presence of the Abingdon Morris Bagman and Major Francis Fryer, of the Wargrave Morris Men. Result Tom Hemmings elected for the year 1950 -1951 by a majority of 99 votes. Tom 119 votes, Charlie 20 votes. The ancient ceremony of chairing the the Mayor down Ock Street by his supporters was carried out immediately after the result became known, witnessed by a very large crowd. Tea was taken at Headquarters “The Happy Dick”, served by our hostess Mrs Raymond Hemmings, ably assisted by the Mayoress Mrs Tom Hemmings and a few friends. Guest at the tea was Miss Elizabeth Walsh, Chairman of the Oxford Writers’ Circle, who had taken a very keen interest in the proceedings all the afternoon. Dancing in the streets commenced at 6pm and lasted until 10.30pm, taking in Ock street, stopping at most of the Inns, the Market Place, finishing up at “The Crown and Thistle Hotel”, Bridge Street. The takings for the day amounted to £8.8.5. Members taking part during the day were as follows; Thomas Hemmings -Mayor, Major F E Fryer -Musician, John Hemmings Junior -Horn Bearer, Charles E Brett -Leading Dancer, Raymond Hemmings, John Hyde, Reggie Ammetts, John Gillett and Fred Coxhead -Dancers. Our guest for the day was Mr Bardwell, Bagman of the Oxford Morris Men, who played a very useful part with the collection box and danced a solo jig in Ock Street, also played his Concertina for the last dance of the evening, at “The Crown and Thistle Hotel”. We would like to place on record the help given us by the Police, for allowing us to dance in the streets, the able way that P.C. Wells of the Berkshire Constabulary controlled the traffic, and also Mr H. Wheaton, Editor of the North Berks Herald, for publicity, and all the townsfolk who took part, for putting coins in the old traditional collecting box, is really part of the ceremony. The day ended for us with a final dance at Headquarters and a drink at “The Ock Street Horns”. Total expenses for the day were £1.13.0 Leaving a balance of £6.15.5 .
[There is a photo of the Mayor’s Day party in the North Berks Herald, 30th June 1950, p5. Cutting of this is in ATMD scrapbook 1 (SB1)].
[The magazine The Sphere of 8th July 1950 has photos of Abingdon dancing on Mayor’s Day. One is outside the Ock St Horns with young John Hemmings (son of Ray) holding the horns – this photo and another very similar were in SB1 marked (wrongly) as 1951. Also in these photos are young Maurice and Cecil Hemmings (also sons of Ray). The other one is of four men carrying Tom in the chair with Fryer leading the procession. This is almost the same as the photo in SB1 (wrongly) marked as 1952, which identifies Tom Hemmings (in chair), F Fryer (music) and l to r R Hemmings, J Gillett, J Hyde, F Coxhead, R Annetts, with the Ock St Horns pub is in the background..]
MEETING HELD JULY 5TH 1950 Proceeded to Wargrave Hall to a dancing festival by the Eastern section of the Oxfordshire, Bucks and Berks Folk Dancing society, under the direction of Miss Gunnel, Reading, gave a full display of Morris on the lawn. Watched the folk dancing in which some of our men took part, had late dinner at Wargrave Hall as guest of Major Fryer, again being fortunate with the weather. Payment by the society amounted to £5.0.0 Expenses for the evening £6.8.0 leaving a balance of £4.13.4 .
MEETING HELD JULY 7TH 1950 Spent the evening dancing at Newbury before the members of Newbury and District Arts society, in the grounds of Shaw House now used as a school. Afterwards we were entertained at “The Railway Inn”, Newbury by Mr Fred Smith, Landlord, an old Abingdon man. Food and drink was served, altogether a very enjoyable evening with many requests for a return visit. Fees from the Arts society £3.3.0 Expenses £2.9.0 Balance £0.14.0
MEETING HELD JULY 12TH 1950 At Headquarters practised “Maid Of The Mill”, discussion on Morris Ring Meeting September 9th. Next meeting July 27th.
MEETING JULY 27TH 1950 Proceeded to Abingdon Market Place to meet town clerk and their official photographer in preparation for the 1951 Festival Year. Photo taken. Climbed to the top of the Town Hall, rest of the evening spent practice at H.Q.
MEETING AUGUST 31ST 1950 First practice after the Stratford on Avon meeting, Major Fryer brought news from Wargrave about a team from Bampton. Made final arrangements for our tour – Saturday September 2nd.
[There is no earlier mention of any Stratford on Avon meeting in the notebook, but it is just possible there is a page missing.]
TOUR -SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 2ND 1950 Met at Headquarters 1.30pm. Start was delayed owing to the non appearance of the Horn Bearer. Arrived at Shippon Village 2pm, danced in the courtyard of “The Prince of Wales Feathers”, before quite a large gathering. The dancing was much appreciated by the onlookers, especially the landlord Mr W Smith and his customers. Invited to return at a early date, left Shippon 2.30pm approximately. Arrived at Faringdon 3.15pm, started dancing outside “The Bell Hotel”, asked by the Police to choose another site, as we were holding up the traffic in the main road. Met some colonials from Australia who had never seen it before, but had read quite a lot about Morris dancing in books and newspapers. Left Faringdon at 4pm approximately. Arrived Wantage just after 4pm, proceeded to a cafe in Grove Street for tea. Commenced dancing in the Market Place, went through all our dances. Jigs were performed by Reggie and Fred Coxhead. Photographs taken by an American visitor also films by Reading Mercury Newspaper man. Left Wantage 5.30pm. Arrived Lamborne 6pm, danced on the village square, met two people from Bournemouth, both Morris Dancers, afterwards we were invited to the British Legion Club, after being welcomed by the Secretary, in the absence of the President owing to illness. Spent a very enjoyable evening Morris and Folk Dancing. Takings £7.14.101/2 Expenses .£2. 2.101/2 Balance £5.12.0 .
[The North Berks Herald of 8th September 1950 has a photo of Abingdon dancing in Wantage on this tour.]
[The entry in the notebook for the following is MORRIS RING MEETING BEDFORD 1950 OCTOBER 9TH, but it is out of sequence in the notebook and in fact this Ring Meeting was SEPTEMBER 9TH]
MORRIS RING MEETING BEDFORD 1950 SEPTEMBER 9TH Left Abingdon at 9.30am, raining. Arrived at Bedford 4.30pm after taking part in dancing displays at villages en route, together with the Midland Morris Men, constituting Tour D. See Morris Ring program for 1950. Took tea in the school dining hall, a large number of Morris dancers were assembled. Meeting of Squires and Bagmen took place in the school committee room, business, election of two more teams to the Ring, Chipping Campden and South Berks, Chipping Campden’s election held over for the time being. All dancers assembled at the “Close”, club dancing and displays were given, Abingdon’s contribution being “Jockey to the Fair” and by special request Abingdon’s version of “Princess Royal”, both dances were very much appreciated by a very large gathering, which included among other notable personages, his worship the Mayor of Bedford. The weather was still bad for Morris Dancing and the going heavy. Dinner and Morris Ale was taken at the Electricity Mens Club Room, speeches were made by the Bedford squire, Mr Arnold. Toast of the visitors by Kenworthy Scholfield, Ring, Mayor of Bedford and others. Songs were sung by the members including one old folk song by Major Fryer our musician. Collections taken during the day was handed to the Bedford Bagman during the evening, amount collected by the Abingdon team not known, but is considered to be a fair amount judging from the weight of the box, and the value of the coins visible. Left Bedford at 10.45pm in thick mist or fog, had fuel trouble with bus, passed through the towns of Hemel Hempstead and Aylesbury with a terrific bang every few yards. The trouble was located and overcome just before we entered Thame. Arrived Abingdon 1.30am still raining. Expenses Lunch on tour 6 men at 4/- each £ 1.4.0 Tea and Feast 6 men at 6/- each £ 1.16.0 Total £ 3.0.0 .
[South Berks mentioned as new Ring members here was a morris team based in Newbury. Its final performance was in 1966 (actually during the World Cup final!). Alec Tofield was a prominent member and after 1966 would regularly appear at Mayor’s Day in his South Berks kit.]
MEETING H.Q. SEPTEMBER 21ST Practice and social evening. Proposed by Reggie Annetts and seconded by the Mayor Mr Tom Hemmings, that any of our members who lost time from work to visit Bedford on September 9th should be compensated out of club funds -unanimously carried, two members claimed and were paid 12/- each. Reference was made by Mr C Brett of a proposed visit to Shippon village later in the year, on the occasion of “The Prince of Wales” Club Festivities. Next meeting to be held October 4th 1950.
MEETING H.Q. OCTOBER 4TH 1950 Program discussed for winter meetings. No practice owing to the weather. Offer by Mr Harvey, Headmaster at the Boxhill Secondary Modern School, Abingdon of the use of hut at the school for practice during the winter months accepted. Arrangements made for the team of boys from the school to be taught Abingdon traditional Morris dancing. Next meeting to be held October 17th at Boxhill.
MEETING HELD OCTOBER 17TH 1950 First meeting held at our new practice room at Boxhill School was well attended about a dozen schoolboys put in an appearance, eager to learn the Abingdon dances and showed great promise. The men again tried out the “Maid of the Mill” dance with very little success. Arrangements were made with Mr Harvey for future meetings, Wednesdays not always convenient. Decided to bring in Tuesday evening alternately. Next meeting to take place at Boxhill on November 1st.
MEETING HELD NOVEMBER 1ST 1950 Practised all dances, again good attendance, boys making good progress with the morris steps. Next meeting November 14th.
MEETING HELD NOVEMBER 14TH 1950 Practised most of the dances with Mr Turneaux at the piano. “Shepherds Aye” Headington version was demonstrated by the three men from Wargrave and afterwards tried out by all present. The dance was quickly mastered, it was decided to include this dance in our regular fortnightly meetings. Next meeting November 28th.
MEETING HELD NOVEMBER 28TH 1950 The usual practice took place, again quite a good number of pupils attended the class, some of them show excellent promise. The sum of 12/- was paid out to each of the two men for loss of time, at the Bedford meeting i.e. 24/-. Next meeting December 13th.
MEETING HELD DECEMBER 13TH 1950 Mr Harvey, Headmaster of Boxhill School and a member of the Abingdon Festival of Britain Committee brought an invitation from the
Council, to hold the Autumn Ring meeting at Abingdon in 1951. Arrangements were made for Major Fryer to get in touch with the Ring Bagman and other officials of that body.
Practice as usual, the headmaster himself taking part with the boys. Owing to the Christmas holiday it was decided not to hold another meeting until January 17th 1951.
Except where there are notes in italic font, the first part of this diary is taken directly from the first notebook of the bagman, Jack Hyde, which is entitled: THE ABINGDON MORRIS DANCERS DIARY OF EVENTS FEBRUARY 14TH 1949 TO JULY 7TH 1951. Someone very kindly typed this out in the 1970s or 1980s which has made it easy to scan, though a few transcription errors have been corrected here. The second part is from Jack Hyde’s second notebook. It is not transcribed word for word as in some places it is not that legible and in others it is not a full account, just the financial details.
MEETING HELD JANUARY 17TH 1951 Met at Boxhill School for practice. Mr Bardwell, the Oxford Bagman brought an invitation for the team to visit Thame, Oxfordshire on June 16th 1951. The team was also invited to give a short display of dancing at the English Folk Dance Ball to be held in the Reading Town Hall on February 25th. Mention was also made about the Festival at Windsor in May. Next meeting to be held on January 30th at Boxhill.
MEETING HELD JANUARY 30TH Practice by the senior team for the coming engagements. The junior team making good progress for their show in the Abbey grounds on May 14th. A letter was received from Miss Stace, Secretary of Headington Branch of English Folk and Dance Club stating terms for the Thame Festival on June 16th. Also one from Miss Wilks, Windsor Secretary, stating terms for their Festival May 26th 1951. Both engagements were accepted, transport for the journey was arranged as follows: engage a 29 seater coach for Windsor and take the juniors with us, for Thame, Major Fryer kindly gave us the use of his private shooting brake. It was also agreed to make special efforts to raise a team for Reading Town Hall on February 23rd. The sum of 15/- was paid to Mr W Hackett for loss of wages incurred Saturday morning September 2nd 1950. Next meeting to be held at Boxhill School on February 14th 1951.
MEETING HELD FEBRUARY 14TH 1951 Practice as usual both teams. A letter received on February 6th from Major Fryer stating that the Committee arranging the Festival Ball at Reading cannot now afford to engage the Abingdon Team, was read at the meeting and the engagement was therefore cancelled. Next meeting at Boxhill February 27th.
MEETING HELD FEBRUARY 27TH 1951 Practice meeting, music played by Mr Furneaux. Major Fryer unable to attend owing to illness. A letter was read from Miss Mattick, Aldershot, inviting the teams to a Adult Dancing Festival to be held in that town on
June 16th 1951, as we were already engaged to dance at Thame on that date, the engagement was very reluctantly turned dqwn. Next meeting at Boxhill March 14th.
MEETING HELD MARCH 14TH 1951 A letter was received from Mr Carter, Headmaster of Lamborne school, inviting the team to Lamborne on May 14th 1951. A reply was sent accepting the engagement on the terms offered. It was also agreed to visit Wargrave Hall Garden Party at the invitation of Miss Gunnel, Secretary of the English Folk Dance and Song Society Eastern Section, to be held on June 13th 1951. Next meeting at Boxhill April 11th.
MEETING HELD APRIL 11TH 1951 A letter was received from Mr John Grimsdale, Secretary of Abingdon Horticultural Society, inviting the team to give a display of Morris Dancing in the Abbey Grounds, Abingdon, on Saturday July 14th 1951 on the occasion of the Flower Show. Both teams practised as usual. Next meeting to be held on May 10th at Headquarters “The Happy Dick”, Ock Street, Boxhill School being closed for holidays.
MEETING HELD MAY 10TH 1951 Met at Headquarters for practice, and made final arrangements for our visit to Lamborne on May 14th. The team will travel in the shooting brake, leaving Headquarters not later than 2pm. Several of the junior team attended for practice. Date for the next meeting left open until arrangements can be made with the Headmaster, Boxhill School.
LAMBOURN CHURCH FETE MAY 14TH 1951 The team started from Headquarters at 2.15pm, arrived Lamborne in good time, changed in a barn belonging to a well known race horse trainer, after watching the children give a display of Maypole Dancing, had tea, gave a show of Abingdon Traditional Dances which were very much appreciated by the spectators and the organisers who expressed a wish that we should visit Lamborne again at some future date. Stopped on the way home for drinks and refreshments at Drayton. Arrived Abingdon 7.30pm approximately. Drinks were also taken at the Ock Street Horns. Cash account for the day: Received from Committee Lamborne Church Fete £3.0.0 Expenditure for drinks and refreshments £1.1.5 Balance £1.18.7 .
MEETING HELD AT HQ MAY 22ND 1951 A letter was read from Mr Armstrong, Chairman of the Sutton Courtney Church Fete Committee, asking if it would be possible for the team to give a display in the Abbey Gardens, Sutton on Saturday June 2nd 1951. Reply sent accepting the invitation and take the junior team with us if transport can be arranged.
Final arrangements were made for the Festival at Windsor, May 26th. South Berks Team will have the use of the shooting brake, Abingdon to engage a 29 seater coach and take the junior team. Enquiries were sent from Wooton, Berks for a team to visit them on July 7th. Next meeting June 5th at Boxhill School.
MAY 26TH 1951 WINDSOR E.F.D.S.&S. FESTIVAL Left Abingdon by coach at 1pm with Miss Baxter in charge of the junior team. Arrived Wargrave 2pm approximately, picked up Major Fryer and the rest of the Wargrave party, including Mrs Annetts and family, arrived Windsor 3.30pm, Southern Railway station, as scheduled to meet the British Broadcasting van. Commenced dancing outside the station, where a record was taken and broadcast over the air the following week. The next dancing point was in front of Windsor Castle, where further commentaries were to be made, but owing to the heavy rain, had to be abandoned. Tea was taken at the King Edwards Horse Hall. Displays of Morris was given by the Abingdon Team during the evening. Some of the men took part in the Folk Dancing which followed, until 8pm. Started home 8.30pm approximately, still raining. All expenses were paid by the Windsor Branch of the English Folk Dance and Song Society, amounting to £9.10.0, made up as follows: Hire of Coach £9.0.0 Out of pocket expenses £0.10.0 TOTAL £9.10.0 .
CHURCH FETE SUTTON COURTNEY JUNE 2ND 1951 The team left Abingdon at 3pm in Major Fryer’s brake, together with the junior team from Boxhill, who travelled with Mr Armitage, Chairman of the Fete Committee. Displays were given during the afternoon by both teams on the lawn at Sutton Abbey before a very large audience, who judging from the applause enjoyed the performance very much. The Chairman of Fete Committee personally thanked the teams for their efforts and expressed a wish that we would come again another time and that the church funds had benefited by £120 from the afternoons takings. A short display was given at Drayton on our way home, very much enjoyed by the customers and landlord of The Red Lion Inn. The cup was filled and passed round amongst the onlookers. A collection taken here realised £1.14.10. Arrived home 10.30pm. Cash account as follows: Fete Committee £3.0.0, Collection at Drayton £1.14.10, £4.14.10. Drinks at New Inn Sutton £0.12.0, Red Lion Drayton £1.17.0, £2.9.0. Balance £2.5.10 .
[A group photo taken around this time at a fete may well be this Sutton Courtenay fete. Jim Hemmings is holding the horns, William Hackett is the fool. Also in this picture are F Fryer, T Hemmings, J Hyde, C Brett, J Grimsdale and three others who are probably Wargrave men (one is in crossed baldricks, not the Abingdon sash, and looks like John Gillett, another looks like Fred Coxhead).]
MEETING HELD JUNE 5TH 1951 Met at Boxhill School for practice. Mr Douglas invited the teams to give a display at Milton Church Fete to be held at Milton on July 7th. Next meeting to be held at Headquarters The Happy Dick on June 12th.
MEETING HELD JUNE 12TH 1951 Final arrangements were made for the Garden Party to be held at Wargrave Hall on June 13th. Miss Gunnell would like the team to arrive in time to give a display, during the interval of the Folk Dancing by the Eastern Branch of the English Folk Dance and Song Society. Arrangements were also made for the Fete at Thame, Oxfordshire to be held on June 16th. Nominations for the Mayor of Ock Street: Thomas Hemmings nominated by Major Fryer, Raymond Hemmings nominated by John Grimsdale, Charles Brett nominated by Mr R Annetts, James Hemmings nominated by John Hyde, Mr James Hemmings withdrew. Saturday June the 23rd was the date chosen for the Election, Ballot Box to be closed at 4pm, dancing in the streets after tea. It was also decided to invite the Oxford Morris Men and the junior team from Boxhill Secondary Modern School to take part in the dancing. The coach for Wargrave, June 13th, to leave Headquarters not later than 6.30pm.
WARGRAVE HALL JUNE 13TH 1951 – GARDEN PARTY Departed from Abingdon 6.30pm as arranged, arrived Wargrave 7.45pm. Folk Dancing in full swing on the lawn. Gave a full display of Abingdon Traditional Dances during the interval, weather good. Afterwards the team partook late supper and drinks with Major Fryer as his guests. Arrived home just after midnight. Fees from the Society Branch £5.0.0 Expenses Nil Balance £5.0.0
FESTIVAL FETE THAME E.F.D.S.S. – OXFORD BRANCH JUNE 16TH 1951 The team left Abingdon at 1.30pm en route for Thame in Major Fryer’s shooting brake, members taking part on this occasion were as follows: Tom Hemmings – Mayor, Major Fryer -Musician, James Hemmings -Horn Bearer, William Hackett – Fool, Raymond Hemmings -Dancer, Charles Brett – Dancer, Reggie Annetts – Dancer, Fred Coxhead – Dancer, John Grimsdale -Dancer, John Hyde – Dancer and Bagman, Leslie Argyle Dancer and Collector.
The team gave displays of Abingdon Traditional Dances in the Market Place, Thame, before a very large audience one or two taking part in the Folk Dancing, in ideal weather. Mr Matthews the well known broadcaster was the M.C. Five Morris teams took part during the afternoon. Had tea at Thame. Met Mr Dinking Wells*, the Old Musician from Bampton also some of the Bampton Dancers. The Bampton Team were invited to Abingdon on the occasion of Electing the Mayor of Ock Street, to be held on Saturday June 23rd. Left Thame 6pm approximately. Arrived at Long Wittenham, 7.15pm. Had drinks at the Vine public house, gave a display to the villagers afterwards. Made a collection. Left for Drayton 8pm had drinks at The Red Lion, gave displays to the customers which was very much appreciated, especially by the Landlord, Mr Gowney who filled our traditional drinking cup several times, it was noticed on this occasion that the wooden cup in question was beginning to leak. Collection taken here with good results. Many of the villagers were beginning to assemble on the main road, some of them invited us to return to Drayton at a later date and give a show on the Green. Arrived Abingdon 10pm. Cash account for the day: Receipts: Thame E.F & D.S. Committee £5.0.0, Donation Mr Fryer £1.0.0, Donation Mrs Bardwell £0.5.0, Collections £2.17.0, TOTAL £9.2.0. Expenditure: Refreshments at Wittenham £0.14.4, Refreshments at Appleford £2.12.6, TOTAL £3.6.10, BALANCE £5.15.2 .
[* No doubt this was ‘Jinky’ Wells]
[There is a photo of Abingdon dancing in Thame Market Place, Jim Hemmings holding the horns, Fryer playing.]
ABINGDON JUNE 23RD 1951 ELECTION OF MAYOR The annual ceremony of electing The Mayor of Ock street was carried out this day. Voting took place at H.Q. “The Happy Dick” between the hours of 1pm and 4.30pm, the number of votes cast on this occasion was slightly heavier than previous years. Counting of ballot papers commenced at 4.35pm, completed 5pm. result, the retiring Mayor Mr Tom Hemmings unanimously elected for a further term of Office for 1951-52. The traditional ceremony of chairing the newly elected Mayor took place immediately after, watched by a very large number of spectators from many parts of the country, a short display of dancing was given outside HQ for the benefit of the many photographers present. Tea was taken in the gardens behind HQ. Visiting teams and invited guests numbering 27. Sat down to an excellent tea, catered for by Mrs Raymond Hemmings our hostess, ably assisted by the Mayoress Mrs Tom Hemmings, Mrs Ridge and others. Dancing in the streets started after tea, at all the usual stopping places in Ock Street. Teams taking part were as follows: Abingdon Morris Dancers, the newly formed junior team from Abingdon Boxhill Secondary Modern School by permission of Mr Harvey, Headmaster, and the Oxford Morris Men, Leader and Bagman Mr L Bardwell. Displays were also given outside the cinema, The Market Place and The Crown and Thistle Hotel,
drinks and refreshments were taken here. Both Oxford and the boys team left for home after the display at the Market Place. Rain began to fall at about 9.45pm, arrived back at HQ 10.30pm approximately. Cash account for the day: Receipts Collections Boxes £12.10.0,
Expenditure £ 8.2.11, Balance £ 4.7.1 .
[Mayor’s Day 1951 is reported in the North Berks Herald 29 June 1951 p1 together with a photo. The election result is given as Tom Hemmings 101 votes, Ray Hemmings 36 and Charlie Brett 22.]
[There are several photos of the 1951 Mayor’s Day tea in the garden of the Happy Dick. One shows the Boxhill Boys which included young Maurice Hemmings, another shows Fred Stimpson and Jack Hyde chatting to Len Bardwell. Another shows Slim Mooring, the Abingdon fool, with the Oxford MM fool (H.W. Watson); Oxford MM dancers John Hawkins and Peter Lund; Len Bardwell is with concertina. One photo shows Oxford and Wargrave men dancing in a mixed set. The Wargrave men are in Abingdon sashes, as they were also dancing with Abingdon that day. And one shows Oxford MM: left to right John Hawkins, Len Bardwell, Peter Lund. A group photo at the Crown and Thistle shows R Hemmings, J Gillett, F Coxhead, T Hemmings (mayor), Slim Mooring (fool), John Hemmings (horns), ?Cecil Hemmings (boy), C Brett, R Annetts, L Bardwell, F Fryer (music) and ?J Hyde (part view).]
JULY 7TH 1951 MILTON CHURCH FETE AND TOUR The team arrived at Milton R.A.F. Sports Field 2.30pm, gave a short display, had tea then proceeded to Wallingford, Didcot, Harwell and Steventon. Danced in the market place at Wallingford, The Kicking Donkey at Harwell, The White Hart Didcot, The Kings Arms Steventon. Team for the day: Tom Hemmings, Major Fryer, C. Brett, J. Grimsdale, Ray Hemmings, J. Hyde, R. Annetts, F. Coxhead, W. Hackett. Expenses Fee Milton Fete £3.0.0, Collections £4.5.71/2, Total £7.5.71/2, Drinks and refreshments: Wallingford £0.12.81/2, Didcot £0.12.9, Harwell £0.12.3, Steventon £0.11.0 £2. 8.81/2, Balance £4.16.11 .
[Following is from the second notebook]
JULY 14th 1951 ABINGDON FS (Flower Show) AND SHIPPON Fee AFS £3.3.0, Shippon Collection £1.11.31/2 , Drinks and Refreshements £0.17.6. {Flower Show was in the Abbey Grounds]
JULY 18th MEETING to discuss Oxford Ring Meeting Sept 14th. Drinks 10/-.
AUGUST 1st MEETING to arrange Hungerford tour. Drinks 6/81/2 .
SATURDAY AUGUST 11th 1951 HUNGERFORD TOUR Receipts Nil. Expenses: Teas 11/11, Refreshments Newbury 8/81/2 & 8/2, Refreshments Drayton 7/2, Total £1.15.111/2 . Personnel: Charlie, Jack, Tom, Mr Fryer, Mr Bardwell, R. Hemmings, Brian (Clark?), Fred (Coxhead) , W.Kent.
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 10th Met Mr Bardwell at HQ to arrange tour for Sat 15th.
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 11th Meeting at HQ decided that the teams in Tour F on Sat 15th should combine and visit Benson, Watlington, Dorchester before lunch, give a display at Abingdon, then proceed to Clifton Hampden, Sandford, Littlemore and Iffley in the afternoon. Expenses 6/5.
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 14th 1951 RING MEETING OXFORD 12 suppers @ 2/9 £1.13.0.
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 15th 1951 RING MEETING OXFORD 11 teas 16/6, 12 feasts, £3, 21 lunches £3.3.0, lodgings (5 for 2 nights) £3.10.0.
[There are other expenses listed which are not that clear, but include some payments to South Berks and Wargrave teams.]
[The Oxford bagman’s notebook for the Festival of Britain Autumn Ring Meeting has detailed entries for each team that attended, including in most cases their signatures. Abingdon’s entry has signatures from J.Hyde, Tom Hemmings, J.Hemmings, W.Hackett, R.F.Annetts*, B.C.West, F.T.Coxhead*, J.H.Grimsdale, C.E.Brett, W.H.Kent*, F.E.Fryer* (the * indicates ‘Wargrave men’ in this notebook). Also Les Argyle is noted as attending but did not sign the book, and Mr Harvey, headmaster of Boxhill school, is down as having taken Friday supper and attended the Feast on the Saturday. The notebook also report that the ‘boys team’ danced on the Saturday. South Berks also attended, and John Gillett signed in as their bagman – he had danced with Abingdon in 1949 and 1950, and appeared now and then for Abingdon up to about 1954.]
MEETING OCTOBER 10th at Boxhill School. 8pm practice. Tour for October 13th cancelled.
MEETING 23rd OCTOBER HQ to discuss letter from Mr D. Kennedy re London Jan 4-5th, invitation accepted if favourable to Wargrave.
OCTOBER 24th PRACTICE at Boxhill School, letter read from D. Kennedy re dancing at Albert Hall, London on Jan 4-5th 1952, agreed unanimously to accept the invitation.
MEETING NOVEMBER 7th at Boxhill, Major Fryer indisposed. Mr Kent and Mr Annetts from Wargrave. John Gillett asked to London.
MEETING NOVEMBER 20th Practice with Mr Furneaux, wet night. No Wargrave men, 4 Abingdon, 8 boys.
MEETING DECEMBER 5th at Boxhill. All Wargrave men there. Letter from London re Albert Hall Jan 4-5th.
MEETING DECEMBER 19th at Boxhill practice. All Wargrave. Next meeting Jan 2nd, Cross Keys, 8pm.
Italic font like this is comment added at the time of typing this out (2017) or during revision 2 (2022).
Unless otherwise marked, this is taken from Jack Hyde’s second notebook. It is not always transcribed word for word as in some places it is not that legible and in others it is not a full account, just the financial details.
Friday January 4th 1952: Albert Hall, London. Arrived 3.30, rehearsal 3.45-4.30, tea at hotel 5.45, coach to AH 6.30, watched dancing until interval 8pm approx. Gave a show (Squire’s Dance and Jockeys 8.30-9pm approx, watched remainder of dancing till 10pm. Had drinks in bar of AH with squire and bagman Morris Ring, also the Copper Family, singers of old time folk songs. Returned by bus to hotel 11pm.
[Interviewed in 2002, Les Argyle recalled that the Albert Hall was his first public appearance for Abingdon. The fool (Bill Hackett) had trouble with his leg and, as they were waiting to go on, Les was asked to deputise for him, which he did for all the shows that weekend. Les had started country dancing in Oxford in the late 40s and joined Oxford Morris Men in 1950. In 1951 he was persuaded to go to a few Abingdon practices.]
Saturday January 5th 1952: Albert Hall, London. Tom Hemmings and Jack Hyde attended meeting of representative clubs squires and bagmen 10.30am to discuss Ring business. Lunch at hotel 1.30, shopping in Kensington High Street 3-5pm, tea at hotel 5.45, coach to Albert Hall 6.20, then as Friday except that the Squire’s Dance was substituted by Princess Royal. Presentation by Mrs Kennedy of EFDS badges to all members of the Abingdon team. Present at the ceremony: Jim Hemmings (Horn Bearer), Tom Hemmings (Mayor of Ock St), Major Fryer (musician), J.Hyde (bagman), C.Brett (lead dancer), R.Hemmings, F.Coxhead, R.Annetts, J.Grimsdale (dancers), W.Hackett (fool), L.Argyle, J.Gillett, B.Clark (spare dancers). Arrived hotel 11.15, had drinks to celebrate the occasion (24/-). Breakfast hotel 8.35, left hotel 9am, train Paddington 10.10, arrived Abingdon 12.40. Expenses included 1s for bladders, 15s trimmings for hats, 9s81/2d braid, 4s armlets.
Practice January 16th: Boxhill school. Maj Fryer only from Wargrave.
Practice January 29th: Boxhill school. Practice with the juniors, 5 Abingdon men, Mr Furneaux music, no Wargrave men.
Practice February 12th: Boxhill school. Maj Fryer, Tom & Ray, juniors.
Meeting February 20th: Cross Keys.
February 22nd: Attended folk dancing at council school.
Meeting March 12th: Cross Keys. No practice, Maj Fryer indisposed, social evening in the bar.
Meeting for 26th March cancelled – Wargrave men engaged with the South Berks men at Reading.
Meeting April 9th: Cross Keys. Practice. Arrangements for Caversham Court, suggested tour with S. Berks.
Meeting April 23rd: Practice at Boxhill school.
Meeting May 14th: Practice at Boxhill school.
Saturday 24th May: met the Mayor in the Mayor’s Parlour re Ring Meeting 8th September with Councillor Faires, offered the use of the Corn Exchange and Abbey Grounds.
Saturday 24th May 1952: Windsor. Left Abingdon 1.30, arrived 3pm, commenced dancing in the Fairacre 3.30, other teams taking part were South Berks and Beaux of London City. Collections handed to Miss Wilks at Alexandra Gardens. Paid to us by Windsor EFDSS £3, expenses nil.
Wednesday 4th June: Practice at Boxhill school, drinks Horse & Jockey, expenses 15s9d.
Wednesday 18th June: Met at Boxhill school, boys practice only, (12 – two teams), progress good, boys giving a display at the Childrens’ Folk Dance Abbey Grounds Thursday 19th June. Adults had drinks at Horse & Jockey, talked over arrangements for Saturday 21st June.
Saturday 21st June 1952: Election for Mayor. Tom Hemmings 126 votes, Raymond Hemmings 75 votes. Result announced by Alderman Fred Stimpson. Visiting teams South Berks, Mr Bardwell representing Oxford, Junior Team Boxhill School. Dancing during the afternoon at Sanitorium Marcham Road, Dr Barnardo’s Home Caldecott Road. Tea HQ garden [Happy Dick] . Chairing 4.30 till 5pm. All teams dancing in Ock Street from 6pm till 10pm, Crown & Thistle finishing point. Russell Wortley, bagman of Ring, took part.
[SB1 has a photo of the 1952 Mayor’s Day procession, showing 6 men carrying Tom Hemmings in the chair, among them Charlie Brett, Jack Hyde and Frank Jordan. Two boy mascots following are probably Maurice and Cecil Hemmings. Mayor’s Day 1952 was reported in NBH 27 June 1952, p1. This seems to be the first appearance in the senior team of Frank Jordan, who had been taught the dances with the Boxhill Boys team.]
Saturday 28th June 1952: Drayton Church Fete at the Grange, dancing with juniors started 5.45pm. Left 6.30, £2 collected handed to vicar towards church funds. Then evening tour of Wittenham, Appleford, Sutton Courtenay.
[NBH of 27-6-52 announced Abingdon + juniors to perform at Drayton Church fete (28-6-52). Same issue different page announces Morris dancing at forthcoming Abingdon Town FC fete and NBH 11-7-52 has a photo of the juniors dancing at this.]
Friday 4th July 1952: Denman College (Womens’ Institute), Marcham, 6pm, then evening tour of Fyfield (White Hart), Dog House (Frilford), Shippon.
Saturday 5th July 1952: Abingdon Flower Club Fete. 3pm displays by the boys teams from Boxhill school and Caldecott House [Barnardo’s], 5.15 display by mens’ team. Then evening tour of Almshouses, Hendred Eyston Arms and Plough. [The Flower Club fete may well be the fete at Abingdon Town FC referred to in the NBH (see above).]
Saturday 12th July 1952: Didcot Church Fete, dancing on the vicarage lawn at 5.45, gave two displays. Then evening tour of Fleur de Lys Hagbourne, Kings Arms Steventon, Red Lion Drayton.
Saturday 19th July 1952: Caversham Court. Arrived Wallingford 3.45, met the mayor at Bullcroft, gave 3/4 hour display, collection taken in aid of RSPCA handed to the mayor 28s. 6pm drinks and dance at Checkendon. 7.30pm gave display of 3 dances at Caversham Court (for EFDSS – £5 fee).
August 6th: meeting Cross Keys to discuss Ring Meeting business.
Saturday 9th August 1952: Southall Park. Picked up R.Annetts and two his children from Wargrave, F.Coxhead from Twyford on the way. First performance at 3.45. Fee £15, 33 seater coach cost £10.10s.
August 27th: meeting Cross Keys to discuss Ring Meeting business.
September 3rd: meeting Cross Keys to discuss final Ring Meeting arrangements.
Friday 5th to Sunday 7th September 1952: Morris Ring Autumn Meeting, Abingdon
[Jack Hyde’s notebook has no entries for the actual Ring Meeting, presumably because this was not the actual business of the Abingdon morris team even though we know that a lot of hard organising work was done by Jack, Tom Hemmings and Len Bardwell amongst others. Details here are taken from the meeting brochure, the ATMD scrapbook and various local press reports. We do have the financial balance sheet for this Ring Meeting, which shows that it was bailed out financially by a loan from Major Fryer of over £17.]
Friday 5th September 1952: 7.30-10.30pm Ale at the Corn Exchange
Saturday 6th September 1952: 10am start of daytime tours, 4.30 tea at Roysse Room, 6-7.30pm display in Abbey Grounds, 8.15 Feast at Corn Exchange. Teams and Saturday tours:
- A: South Berks, Greensleeves & Abingdon Boys: Radley, Sunningwell, Wootton, lunch at the Dog House, Cothill, Dry Sandford
- B: Beaux of London City, London Rodney: Dorchester, Benson, Wallingford, South Moreton, Long Wittenham, Clifton Hampden.
- C: St Albans, East Surrey & Rugby: Sutton Courtenay, Appleford, Didcot, East Hagbourne, Blewbury, Harwell.
- D: Northampton & White Horse (Wilts): Drayton, Steventon, East Hendred, Wantage, Grove, East Hanney.
- E: Cambridge, Oxford, Oxford University & Ravensbourne: Cumnor, Eynsham, Witney, Stanton Harcourt, Standlake.
- F: Exeter, Letchworth & Whitchurch: Longworth, Buckland, Bampton (joined here by Bampton morris men), Faringdon, Marcham.
Sunday 7th September: 10.20 procession from Magistrates Room to St Helens Church for service, 12 noon dancing on Market Place, 1.15 lunch, 2.30 meeting of club representatives.
[The Abingdon Ring Meeting was reported in some detail in NBH 12 September 1952 p1, and there were pre-publicity articles in NBH 8 August 1952 p2 and 29 August 1952 p1. Photos of the Sunday procession in SB1 identify Slim Mooring (fool), J Grimsdale (horns), F Fryer (music), T Hemmings (mayor, walking with sword), and a boy mascot leading (? M Hemmings). Also C Brett is identifiable in the procession, plus F or B Coxhead, and probably John Gillett. SB1 also has several photos of the other teams in this parade and elsewhere.]
October 1st: meeting Boxhill school, Major F(ryer), R(eg) Annetts, Fred (Coxhead?), J(ohn) Mooring, J. Hyde. Practice with Juniors.
Saturday 14th October 1952: visited Wallingford Michaelmas Fair in the Masonic Hall, organised by Rev Mason, vicar of Wallingford. Team: Tom H(emmings), C(harlie) Brett, J(ohn) Grimsdale, Ray H(emmings), Fred C(oxhead), Reg A(nnetts), Bill H , Brian C(lark), Frank J(ordan).
Tuesday October 14th: practice at Boxhill school, music Mr Furneaux. 16 boys attended the meeting, no Abingdon men.
October 29th; meeting postponed due to bad weather.
November 11th: practice at Boxhill school, music Mr Furneaux. 13 boys attended the meeting, 3 Abingdon men.
November 19th: practice at Boxhill school, Major Fryer music, 12 Juniors, 5 Adults, plus Mr Harvey (headmaster).
By arrangement with Tom Hemmings, no further meetings to be held before the end of the year owing to the very bad weather.
[Expenses include ‘Drinks Jockey’ of 4s9d in October and 5s9d in November, suggesting that there would have been a round or two on the bag in the Horse & Jockey, Bath Street, on the way home from Boxhill school practices.]
Italic font like this is comment added at the time of typing this out (2017 ) or during revision 2 (2022).
Unless otherwise marked, the first part of this (up to June 13th) is taken from Jack Hyde’s second notebook. It is not always transcribed word for word as in some places it is not that legible and in others it is not a full account, just the financial details. Jack Hyde’s third notebook starts on 30th May and a few events are described differently in the two books. Additional information comes from press trancripts especially North Berks Herald 29.5.1953 p1, 5.6.53 p6, 12.6.53 p1, 26.6.53 p1 and other material in the scrapbook and archives.
January 10th 1953: Two delegates (T.Hemmings & J.Hyde) attended Cecil Sharp House for Ring meeting business. Left Abingdon 8.05am, arrived (back in) Oxford 2.35am. Visited Albert Hall in the evening with two tickets presented by Mr Hamish Fraser.
January 27th: practice at Boxhill school. Music Mr Furneaux, 8 juniors, (Les) Argyle, Tom (Hemmings) and Charlie (Brett).
February 11th: meeting cancelled – bad weather.
February 19th: meeting Caldecott House: Major Fryer, Reg (Annetts), Jon M(ooring), John G(rimsdale), Tom (Hemmings) and Ray (Hemmings).
[Jack Hyde never seems to list himself as being present at these meetings and practices, but it’s fairly safe to assume he was also present. When he does refer to himself in these notebooks and other records, it is as John Hyde.]
February 25th: Practice, Boxhill, juniors.
March 4th: Practice, Boxhill, juniors cancelled.
March 10th: Practice, Boxhill, juniors.
March 17th: Practice, Boxhill, 15 juniors, Mr Furneaux, Tom, Ray, Charlie, John M, John G. [Mr Furneaux was the music teacher at Boxhill school, and would play the piano for the practices if Major Fryer wasn’t present.]
March 26th: Caldecott House: Tom, Ray, John M, John G. Drinks at Anchor.
March 27th: business meeting, Anchor, 8/6 [presumably for drinks].
Thursday April 2nd: Caldecott House, practice meeting: Charlie, Tom, Ray, John G, John M, Maj Fryer. Drinks Anchor 6/9.
April 16th: Caldecott House, practice. Brett, Hemmings T, Hemming R, Mooring J, Hyde J, Maj Fryer, (Len) Bardwell, Clark B, Jordan F, Argyle L.
Monday April 20th: Headington dancers at Caldecott House.
Thursday April 23rd: practice meeting at Caldecott House. Maj. Fryer, Messrs Bardwell, Argyle and Hyde. Practice in childrens’ play room, hut occupied by Toc H party.
Friday April 24th: visited OMM (Oxford Morris Men), Pembroke Street. Bardwell, Argyle, Wilson [these seem to be names of people Jack talked to, third being Laurie Wilson of Oxford University Morris].
Thursday April 30th: meeting Caldecott House. Practiced M of M [Maid of the Mill]. Charlie, Tom, Ray, Brian [Clark], [Frank] Jordan, Maj. Fryer, [Les] Argyle, Jack] Hyde.
May 14th: practice meeting Caldecott House. Practiced M of M [Maid of the Mill], S. Luker [Sally Luker], [the third dance listed is not that legible but it does not look like the name of an Abingdon dance – if anything it looks like Lads a Bunchum which is a dance from Adderbury and elsewhere – we know that the Caldecott Boys did dances that were not from Abingdon, so maybe they were practicing this under the tuition of Len Bardwell and Les Argyle]. Drinks Anchor 6/9 + 5/6.
May 19th: meeting Boxhill school, Mr F(urneaux).
May 26th: meeting Boxhill school, M F (Major Fryer), 8 lads.
May 28th: meeting Caldecott House, Mr Bardwell, Tom, Ray, Charlie, John M, L. Argyle, expenses 3/9.
Saturday 30th May 1953: Aylesbury. Coronation parade organised by British Legion. Transport Major Fryer’s shooting brake. Left Abingdon 12 o’clock, arrived 2pm. Horn bearer J. Hemmings, Mayor Tom Hemmings, Musician Mr Bardwell, Fool J. Mooring, Dancers C.Brett, J.Grimsdale, R.Hemmings, J.Hyde, B.Clark, F.Jordan, W.Kent. Received £4/19/1 (collection £1/10/9, fees £2/8/4, donation £1). SB1 has a photograph of the procession, which includes J Grimsdale carrying the horns, T Hemmings (mayor), L Bardwell (music), Jim Hemmings (top hat, no kit), J Hyde, B Clark (plain sash), C Brett, S Mooring (fool) plus 2 others, one a youngish man in full kit and one in bells, armbands and belt only – possibly one of these is Bill Kent who is known to have been there that day.]
Wednesday June 3rd 1953: Coronation celebrations at Abingdon. Teams taking part [as well as Abingdon] Oxford University, Bampton, South Berks, Boxhill School Juniors, Caldecott House Juniors. Changed at Abbey House. Commenced dancing Abbey Meadows 7pm until 8.15. Danced Winster Processional back to Market Place, gave display until lighting of fire for ox roasting by the mayor at 9.30pm. Further dancing until midnight on the Market Place. All teams together with a few friends partook of beer and ham sandwiches in the Bear Room of the Council Chambers, the juniors were supplied with soft drinks. Weather fine but not too warm for the spectators, especially in the open by the Abbey meadows. Tom, Charlie, Ray, Jim, John M, John G, John H(emmings), Brian C, Bardwell, F Jordan. Receipts £5, Expenses £11/9/0 (beer Fergusons £6/7/6, sandwiches Walters Cafe £3/0/0, hire of glasses mays 9/0, Bampton expenses £1/2/6, South Berks 10/0).
[SB1 has a copy of the programme: 3pm Punch & Judy (Abbey meadow), 6.45pm Morris dancing by Abingdon and associated companies (Abbey meadow), 7pm Punch & Judy (Abbey meadow), 8pm Comic Football/Rugger Match (Abbey meadow), 8.45 Morris dancing continues on Market Place, 9.30pm Ceremony of roasting of an ox on the Market Place.] [The logbook of the Oxford University Morris Men has a long description of this event, including that there was a Punch & Judy show in progress when the dancers arrived in Abbey Meadow which continued while the dancing started and how at 7.50 most of the audience left the dancing to watch a ‘Comic Football Match’. For some reason the University Men performed an impromptu Mummers Play on the way to the Bear Room. After the ox roasting fire was lit, there were two simultaneous dancing displays – one by Abingdon and Bampton and one by South Berks and Oxford University. The ‘Old Globe’ (an Ushers house) had an extension until 11pm (!) which Oxford and Bampton took advantage of before they started dancing again on the Market Place which lasted until about midnight, when Bampton departed in their coach and the Oxford men departed in one car and on several bikes, getting lost before they found the road back to Oxford.]
June 6-7th 1953: Thaxted (ring meeting organised by Rev Jack Putterill). Left Abingdon 7.30am, transport Maj Fryer’s shooting brake, arrived Thaxted 1.15pm, reported to Rev Putterill, booked in at hotels. Commenced tours 2pm, tea at Thaxted 5pm, dancing in streets till 11pm. Sunday church 11am, dancing afterwards in Main Street. BBC recording of Princess Royal. Had drinks, then left 2pm, arrived Abingdon 6pm. Expenses totalled £10/17/10 – tea, feast, hotels, drinks. Tom, Maj Fryer, John M, Charlie, Ray, J.Grimsdale, J.Hyde, L.Argyle, F.Jordan, Bill Kent. [There are 3 photos of this in SB1. Group photo has J Hyde, R Hemmings, S Mooring (fool), F Jordan, J Grimsdale, F Fryer (music), T Hemmings (mayor), C Brett. In other photos of Abingdon dancing, it is difficult to identify many of the dancers but L Argyle is wearing no sash.]
Saturday June 13th 1953: Windsor. State entry HM Queen Elizabeth II. Left Abingdon 12 o’clock, arrived Star & Garter 2pm. Commenced dancing in the streets 2.15 until arrival of troops 3pm. During this performance money was thrown to the dancers by the spectators, and the sum of £7/2/0 was picked up. Proceeded to Home Park, danced in the Long Walk between the guardsmen lining the route, entered the park to entertain children until the procession was due 4.30pm. Procession passed about 4.35, had a good view of the royal couple. Proceeded back to Star & Garter, had tea, started for home 6pm. Receipts £9/2/0 (collection £7/2/0, fee per Miss W £2), expenses £3/1/11 (Maj Fryer petrol £1/12/0, Bill Kent tip 10/0, drinks Windsor 10/3, drinks Twyford 9/8). [Bill Kent was a Wargrave dancer, and it seems he was driving the shooting brake] [SB1 has a photo of dancing outside Windsor town hall – F Fryer playing, S Mooring fool, T Hemmings (mayor), J Hyde, ? C Brett, L Argyle, F Jordan (last two have plain sashes).]
Saturday 20th June 1953: Election of Mayor. Voting commenced 12 noon at the Happy Dick [143 Ock Street]. Bampton and South Berks arrived during the afternoon. Gave displays in Ock St whilst votes were counted. Ballot box closed 4.30pm, counted by Alderman Stimpson, Mr Furneaux, J.Hyde. Result: Tom Hemmings 129, Ray Hemming 63, Charlie Brett 34. Tom, Ray, Maj Fryer, [Len] Bardwell, Fred C[oxhead], Reggie Annetts, J.Hyde, B[rian] Clarke, Frank Jordan. Teams taking part: Abingdon, Bampton, South Berks, Abingdon Boxhill Juniors. Dancing took place in Ock St from 6pm until grand finale at Crown & Thistle at 10pm. Presentation by the Mayor of Abingdon of the horns from the ox roasted in the Market Place to commemorate the crowning of HM Queen Elizabeth II. Receipts £7/3/0 1/2. Expenditure £10/6/3 (printing £1/8/0, teas £4, drinks £1/13/3, Bampton travel expenses £3/5/0). [There is a photo in SB1 of the procession, F Fryer(music, no jacket), M Hemmings (mascot), T Hemmings (mayor, in chair), R Annetts, F Coxhead, F Jordan, L Argyle + 2 teenagers, one of whom seems to be carrying a stick. The last 4 have different sashes (no pattern) which probably indicates they are newcomers – this photo also appeared in John Bull 18th June 1955 but is probably 1953.]
Saturday June 27th 1953: Caldecott House garden fete. Recipts: nil, Expenses 6/9.
Saturday July 4th 1953: Caldecott House in aid of the Red Shield Fund appeal for television / wireless for troops stationed at Abingdon airfield.
Saturday September 5th 1953: Clipston Conservative Fete. Travelled in Maj Fryer’s shooting brake. Receipts £5, expenses £1/8/4 (drinks £1/1/10, mens’ lost time 6/6).
[There are no records in Jack Hyde’s third notebook of any other activities in the period July-December 1953. After 5th September’s fete, the next dated entry is for 25th Feb 1954.]