Bampton, Composite c.1955

Photo ref: B379041

Hello, My name is Graham Matthews and I was 7 years old when this photo was taken. I was born in Bampton but my family moved to Reading, Berkshire in 1961. However, I always thought of this lovely small town as my 'roots', and still enjoy visiting as often as possible. I, along with my brother Neville, went to both schools, sang in St Michaels Church Choir, and joined the Scouts and ...see more

My mum & dad & three brother's lived in and around Bampton in the 1950 & 1960, I & my brothers went to the primary & secondary modern schools, My mum & dad went back to live there in the 1970 and lived for about 10 years until mum died in 1981, We also lived in near by village of Shillingford, They were happy & sad days, I have many memory's of bampton but ...see more

Each August Bank Holiday Monday Bampton, near Exmoor, is the venue for a huge village open day. This year's event featured a duck race, teddy bear parachuting form the top of St Michael's Church Tower, tombola, white elephant sales and special opening hours by most of the village's shops, cafes and pubs. For me the highlight was the entertainments offered in the Riverside Hall on a special music and talent stage. ...see more

St Michael's Church hall is a typical meeting hall for community events and is the venue for monthly dances organised by the Bampton Folk Dance Club. I first started going to these dances a couple of years ago with my wife Elizabeth and we enjoyed the live music by the 'Friendly Folk Band' and the new caller invited each time. It's a bit of a throwback to years gone by with a cup of tea and a biscuit midway ...see more