The annual festivities commemorative of the ingathering of the crops took place at Cumnor on Tuesday last. The weather on the occasion was fine, the proceedings of the day were as diversified and agreeable as on previous similar occasions, and the attendance of the labourers, with their wives and families, was, we think, more numerous than last year. In the morning, service was held in the parish church, a building of great antiquity, and which was tastefully decorated with the first fruits of the harvest, and a sermon appropriate to the occasion and impressive in its character, was preached by the Rev. H.O.Coxe, of Wytham, who took for his text, the 11th chapter of Jeremiah, 22nd verse. At the termination of the morning service, the congregation proceeded, headed by the Appleton Brass Band, to two fields behind the vicarage house, in one of which a large tent was erected, capable of holding 400 people, where dinner of a thoroughly substantial character was provided. Among the persons present were the vicar (the Rev. P.G.Henley), the Rev. Mr Robinson, Messrs W.Deadman, W.Franklin sen., J.Weaving, T.H.Dawson, K.Nevill, J.Adams, Wells, J.Blake, J.Stean, etc., and a whole host of ladies, who kindly undertook the arduous and somewhat responsible task of supplying the 400 men, women and children with 'the roast beef and plum pudding of old England'. In different parts of the spacious tent were hung the following mottoes and banners :'The Vicar of Cumnor', 'The Earl of Abingdon', 'God save the Queen', 'Prince and Princess of Wales', 'Seed time and harvest', 'Industry is never unfruitful', 'Prosperity to Cumnor', 'Unity,Peace and Concord', 'Singers and Ringers', etc. These banners were made by the ladies of the parish, who in some instances, especially in the banner of 'Unity, Peace and Concord', displayed exquisite taste and workmanship. We know of no scene more interesting than that of beholding 400 labouring men, with their families, partaking of a festive repast at which viands can be obtained without limitation. They go to work with a will that is perfectly astounding. After the dinner was over, the Chairman (the Vicar) gave the usual loyal toasts, which were received with enthusiasm. Mr Franklin gave 'The health of the Rev. Mr Coxe, and thanks for his excellent and practical sermon'. In reply the rev. gentleman hoped that what had been said by him would deeply enter into their hearts, and that they would be grateful for the rich provision that had been made for them by their employers on that occasion. It was with pleasure then before he sat down that he proposed 'The health of the Farmers and Labourers'. The connection between the farmer and labourer was a very important one, the interests of one were identified with the interests of the other, and each was as responsible for his acts as the other, and therefore their only object should be to live together in peace, charity, and love . (Cheers).
Mr Dawson, in briefly responding, said that it was a matter of congratulation to a merciful Providence for the abundant harvest they had had, and the weather with which they had been blessed for the gathering in of the crops. The present sight was a happy one, and it was good evidence of the growing intelligence of all classes. No doubt they all wished that success would attend agriculture, and the elements of success conisted in strict justice and confidence to each other.
Mr Adams, in happy terms, gave 'The health of the Ladies and the Strangers who had assisted in the dinner', coupling with the toast the name of the Rev. Mr.Robinson, who returned thanks on his as well as their behalf.
'The health of the Vicar' followed, which was proposed by Mr Franklin, and received with three times three and 'one more'.
The rev.gentleman feelingly responded, remarking on the pleasure it gave him to meet the whole of his parishioners on such as auspicious occasion.
Mr Nevell next read the list of those persons who had exhibited cottagers' productions, of which the following is a list of prizes:
Allotment - 1st 7s 6d T.Rouse; 2nd 5s 0d Mr.Inness. Highly commended: Mr Sherwood.
Garden - 1st 7s 6d George Inness; 2nd 5s 0d John Basson. Highly commended: Cha.Neale
Potatoes, kidney - 1st 7s 6d George Inness; 2nd 5s 0d J.Webb; 3rd 2s 6d D.Basson
Potatoes, red round: 1st 7s 6d D.Basson; 2nd 5s 0d J.Webb; 3rd 2s 6d Rouse
Carrots, long - 1st 7s 6d Rouse; 2nd 5s 0d Alder; 3rd 2s 6d Bennett
Carrots, intermediate - 1st 5s Weaving; 2nd 2s 6d Rouse
Parsnips - 1st 7s 6d Rouse; 2nd 5s 0d Hutt ; 3rd 2s 6d Weaving
Onions - 1st 7s 6d G.Inness; 2nd 5s 0d Jas. Floyd; 3rd 2s 6d J.Webb
Lettuce - 1st 3s 0d Bennett; 2nd 1s 6d J.Inness
Cabbages - 1st 7s 6d Brewerton; 2nd 5s 0d J.Inness; 3rd 2s 6d G.Inness
Winter Greens - 1st 3s 0d R.Webb; 2nd 1s 6d Coombs
Nosegay - 1st 5s 0d G.Inness; 2nd 2s 6d Basson.
Mr.Nevill continued to say that whilst the judge (Mr.Mill) expressed himself pleased with the productions, yet in some instances improvements could be made.
The company soon after adjourned into the field, where different amusements were indulged in till the shades of evening approached. A pleasant and happy day was spent.
(Abingdon Herald 31. 8. 1868)