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A LONG WALK
Daisy Hemmings

When I lived at Oaken Holt, it was 3 miles distance to school at Cumnor. I remember Cumnor Meadow always flooded in Winter. When it was frozen, and we had slides on our way home. Also we used to collect a can of milk from 'Hickmans Farm' for Mrs Mitchell at Tumbledown.

There were about a dozen or so children from different families who walked to school with us in all weathers. In 1924 we moved to Chawley near the brickworks, as it was in those days. I can always remember the big tree trunks being hauled on horse drawn waggons for timber, from Wytham Woods, for the Saw Mill. Later, of course, came the steam waggons which did the work.

The fair used to be held in October in the 'Bear' yard. Dancing in the barn, 'Ticklers' swinging boats, stalls and those noisy gas lights of 'Spurrett's' stall. August Bank Holiday there were sports, fete and a cricket match and Band in a field near the 'Bear.'

The Sunday School in 1925 was taken by Ruth Wilkinson the then vicar of Cumnor's daughter, which was Sunday afternoon in the school. I taught a class of about 12. Drawing pictures of 'Jesus' on the blackboard which the children copied into books. There were some funny drawings some weeks I can tell you - also I remember the Village Hall being built. We each gave a little money for a brick, to help build it.

Recorded in 1908.

 

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