Oi – Get off my bread!
A conversation a few days ago with a local historian has prompted me to take another look at what is perhaps the best known book about Bicester. Written by Sid (S.G.) Hedges in 1968 ‘Bicester Wuz a Little Town’ is that wonderful thing, a nostalgic look at a world which no longer exists, but not written with regret that the ‘old times were the best times’, but with a genuine affection for the place in which he was born and brought up.
Sid Hedges knew everyone in this town, and he taught many of them to swim at the outdoor pool that used to be just near where the bookshop is now. He was also a prolific writer of both fiction and non-fiction – penning over 120 works, most of which celebrated youth and an active life – Sid was one of life’s do’ers, his work appearing in Boy’s Own, Chums and Scout amongst many others. But it’s ‘Bicester Wuz a Little Town’ for which I think he’ll be best remembered – this little extract is very typical of his style, and the town.
“One of the commonest street sights was the covered hand-truck of the baker, with the bread-man carrying a large basket of varied loaves to each door, ‘Would you like cottage, or tin, or twist, or batch, or wholemeal loaf?’
Jack Walker pushed such a truck, from Hall’s Causeway Bakery – and one particular day stayed in his memory. The Circus had come to town, Lord George Sangar’s. Jack was delivering bread in Sheep Street when the usual flamboyant, procession was making its advertising tour. He had left his truck, with the sliding top open, just by Scrivener’s grocery shop, while he went up the yard with his basket. And just then the elephants came by on their way down Sheep Street. The first grey monster smelt the bread; dipped his trunk in the top of the truck, and took a loaf, walking on without breaking line. The second elephant liked the idea and took a second loaf. Then Jack Walker came running back, shouting and waving his free arm – so the third elephant withdrew his extended trunk, and missed his share!”
As Sid says a few pages later – “Bicester is a fine old place to live in when you know something of its past and its people and feel you belong and so can envisage having a hand in shaping its future”
A Bicester Poem
I went to Bicester
To see my sister
But it was foggy
And so I missed her!
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