PARISH PUMP FOR FEBRUARY ISSUE 28
EDITORIAL
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It is often said that the Town does not understand the Country, and that we get a raw deal from our urban masters. Sometimes there is a lack of understanding. The boorish certainty with which hunting was banned, and the impracticality of enforcing the ban within the terms of the legislation surely suggests a lack of appreciation of how the countryside works.
But is the countryside really so hard-done by? A 2001 survey, by the Learning & Skills Council, of access to public services concluded that Filkins & Langford was the most socially deprived ward in West Oxfordshire. Although this may well be an example of Mark Twain's `lies, damn lies, and statistics', nevertheless there is, of course, some hardship in the countryside.
On the other hand the slower pace, and the more human scale of village life allows people to see that they can individually and together make a difference, and so support networks thrive. Tony Woodford's hospital drivers (Tony wants more volunteers by the way - seepage 22), and the new community shop in Filkins (Do visit it - see article on page 34) can make a real difference to Broadshire, but would be lost against the endless problems in the city.
There is also the comforting continuity of village life. Within living memory, the hearts of most large towns have been flattened by bombs, or well intentioned councils. And usually re-development has broken spectacularly with the past. Yet most of our local villages have the same general footprint, principal buildings, connecting roads and paths as they have had for generations. Development has generally adapted to the shape of what went before to provide for changing use.
In this issue (page 40) we are pleased to run a long piece from Geoff `Jesse' James remembering life in Holwell in the late `40s and `50s. Have there been changes? Of course there have, but I hope you will agree that Holwell is still Holwell, and that village life is still recognizably village life.
How's this for continuity? In the Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society for 1913, in an article about Cotswold Housing, appeared:
`In places where there is a shortage of cottages for farm labourers, it is frequently due to the fact that many cottages are occupied by men engaged in better paid industries, who bicycle to their work at a distance, and pay a nearer approach to an economic rent than a labourer can afford.'
Substitute `villager' for `labourer', and 'Porsche-driving city banker', for `factory- worker-on-a-bike', and what changes? Richard Martin
PARISH & BENEFICE SERVICES 5 th February - 4th Sunday before Lent
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10.30am Kencot Benefice Eucharist HM, EJ Service 6.00pm Holwell Evensong EJ 6.00pm Burford Joint Youth Worship HM 12`6 Church February - 3`d Sunday before Lent 9.00am Alvescot Parish Communion HM 9.00am Broadwell Holy Communion (BCP) PW 9.00am Combined Holy EJ Westwell/Holwell Communion 10.30am Filkins Parish Communion HM 10.30am Shilton Parish Communion & EJ Children's Church 11.00am L Faringdon Matins AP 6.00pm B Bourton Evensong HM 6.00pm Kencot Evensong EJ 19th February - 2nd Sunday before Lent 9..00am B EJ Bourton/Alvescot Combined Holy Communion 9.00am Holwell Holy Communion HM 10.30am Combined Matins TF Broadwell/Kencot 10.30am Kelmscott Family Communion EJ 10.30am Langford Morning Prayer HM 6.00pm Filkins Evensong EJ 6.00pm Westwell Evensong HM 26th February - Sunday before Lent 9.00am Combined Holy EJ Kencot/Broadwell Communion(BCP) 9.00am Shilton Holy Communion HM 10.30am Alvescot/B EJ Bourton Combined Family Communion 10.30am Filkins Family Communion TF 11.00am L Faringdon Matins HM 4.00pm Langford Evensong EJ 6.00pm Combined Evensong HM Holwell/Westwell 1" March - Ash Wednesday 10.00am B Bourton Holy Communion EJ 7.30pm Westwell Benefice Eucharist HM, EJ Service 5th March - Lent I 10.30am L Faringdon Benefice Eucharist HM, EJ Service 6.00pm Alvescot Evensong EJ 6.00pm Shilton Youth Worship HM BCP Book of Common Prayer
There is also a Communion Service at Black Bourton every Wednesday at 10.00am
CELEBRANTS
. AP Arthur Pont EJ Liz Johnson HM Harry MacInnes PW Paul Tom Winchester Farrell TF BENEFICE SERVICES
. All services are at 10.30am unless otherwise stated 2006 5th February Kencot 1stMarch Westwell Ash Wednesday 7.30pm 5th March L Faringdon 9th April Filkins Palm Sunday Procession starts from B Alvescot Poggs at 10.00am 13th April Maundy Thursday 7.30pm 14th April Shilton Good Friday 2.00pm 7th May Broadwell Rogation Sunday 12.00noon 4`h June Holwell Whit Sunday 2nd July Alvescot 6th August B Bourton 3nd September Westwell 5th November Kelmscott 3'd December Langford 2007 7th January Kencot THE LECTIONARY 5thFebruary - 4th Psalm 147.1-12 Sunday before Lent (G) Isaiah 40. 21-end 1 Corinthians 9.16-23 Mark 1. 29-39 12th February - 3`d Sunday before Lent (G) 2 Kings 5.1-14 Psalm 30 1 Corinthians 9. 24- Mark 1. 40-end 19th Psalm 104. end February - tad Sunday 26 to end before Lent (G) Proverbs 8.1, 22-31 Colossians 1. 15-20 John 1. 11-14 24`6 February - Sunday before lent (G) 2 Kings 2. 1-12 Psalm 50.1-6 2 Corinthians 4. 3-6 Mark 9. 2-9 1g` March - Ash Wednesday (P) Joel 2.1-2,12-17 Psalm 51. 1-18 2 Corinthians 5. 20b- Matthew 6. 1-6, 16-21 5`6 6.10 March - 1$` Sunday of Lent (P) Genesis 9. 8-17 Psalm 25. 1-9 1 Peter 3. 18-end Mark 1. 9-15
THE RECTOR'S LETTER
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Dear Friends
Recently, a religious studies teacher gave a list of errors made by students in essays and exam papers, which included these: `Moses was an actual hysterical figure as well as being in the Bible'.
Another wrote `the Hebrew slaves made unleavened bread, which is bread made without any ingredients'.
The same student went on by saying that while they were doing it, they crossed `the Sarah Dessert', adding `the climate of the Sarah is such that all the inhabitants have to live elsewhere'!
Well, the facts may have been a little distorted, but the subject is a fascinating one. It has provided one of the great images of our existence in this world! It is that life is a journey. It was the story of a journey which shaped the Jewish people. They escaped from the oppression of Egypt, and then went through the testing times in the desert until they came to a land of promise. They sensed the hand of God in their bewildering circumstances. They didn't understand what was going on, but they knew there was a presence with them as they travelled along. Their chief concern was to keep in step with their Creator and Lord.
They made it their aim to follow him. That image has captured people's imagination down the centuries. It was the inspiration of one of the Classics of English literature, the 17" century best seller `Pilgrim's Progress', and it remains a powerful picture for our world today.
We don't stand still. Everybody is travelling. Some feel that they are being swept along aimlessly on the tide of events, while others sense the hand of God on their lives. Some go from day to day assuming that life is a random affair, and wondering what the roll of the dice will bring. Others are aware that there is some greater purpose in which they are caught up, and they are committed to seeking to follow that.
At the end of this month we will move into the church season of Lent, a time traditionally for fasting and simplifying our lives in order that we can more easily reflect on our deeper spiritual journey. During Lent Liz Johnson will be leading a Lent group entitled `where is God?', and there will also be a weekly Wednesday service of Compline, with space given for silence and reflection. Perhaps as we prepare for the season of Lent we can make space in order to reflect more deeply on our own pilgrimage.
Harry Maclnnes
YOUTH WORSHIP
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Youth Worship generally runs on the first Sunday of each month from 6.00 to 7.30pm at Shilton Church and Old School House.
5th February 6.00 to 8.00pm Burford An invitation from the Burford group. (Drop off / collect at Burford Church) 5`h March 6.00~to 7.30pm Evening Prayer Shilton Church
9th April 6.00 to 7.30 pin Holy Communion Shilton Church
Jane Brylewski (Tel. 01993 822 479 and emaii!- [email protected]
SERVICES IN THE BENEFICE
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Do you enjoy HC, PC, or FC? Do you prefer BCP or CW? Every organisation has its own jargon, and the church is no exception. If' you have been confused by the variety of terms on the list of services each month, you are not alone, so here is an attempt to make things clearer. As a benefice (that is, a group of parishes working together), we start from the principles that each parish has regular services on certain Sundays each month, usually at 9am, 10.30am or 6pm, and that on any given Sunday there is a variety of styles of service across the benefice. This gives an opportunity for everyone to attend worship in one of our churches. And on the first Sunday of the month we all gather for a joint Benefice Service, held at a different church each month.
The majority of our services are Communion Services, also known as The Eucharist. Usually, the services at 9am. are without music, and are listed as `Holy Communion'. Our 10.30am services, with hymns, are listed as `Parish Communion'. Both of these may follow the traditional prayer book (Book of Common Prayer or BCP), or the modern order of service in Common Worship (CW)
We also use a shortened form of the modern service to make it easily accessible to all ages, and this is listed as `Family Communion'. You may have noticed yet another description recently: `Parish Communion and Children's Church'. The Children's Church (or Sunday School) takes place in the Village Hall in Shilton on the second Sunday of the month at the same time as the Parish Communion in the church. Towards the end of the service the children come into the church and join their parents to worship together. Other regular services are Matins/Morning Prayer and Evensong/Evening Prayer. `Matins' and `Evensong' are traditional Book of Common Prayer services which include hymns, psalms and canticles as well as prayers and a sermon.
Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer are modern versions of the same services and they may be more varied and informal.
Everyone is welcome to attend any of our services throughout the benefice. If you are not a regular churchgoer or have not been confirmed, please don't let that put you off. We do not expect everybody to know what to do, or when to stand up and when to sit down. You may like to join in, or you may prefer to sit quietly and enjoy the peace of our beautiful buildings, which have been places of worship for hundreds of years.
If you would like to know more, please contact any of the clergy or churchwardens in the benefice. We look forward to seeing you! Liz Johnson
LENT COURSE
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The theme of our Lent course this year is `Where is God?' Where is God when... we seek happiness? we face suffering? we make decisions? we contemplate death? we try to make sense of life? Questions a lot of people are asking in our troubled times. Each evening we shall be listening to a short talk, with speakers Archbishop Rowan Williams, Patricia Routledge, Joel Edwards, Pauline Webb and David Hope, as a basis for discussion and reflection.
If you would like to set some time aside during Lent to think through these important questions, do come and join us. We shall be meeting at Filkins Vicarage every Monday during the five weeks of Lent, beginning on Monday 6th March, at 7.30 pm. For more details, do telephone me on 01367 860846. Liz Johnson
BENEFICE CHOIR
. have recently taken on the running of the Benefice Choir from Mandy Butler. The idea is to try and keep things simple for the time being, with the choir supporting the United Benefice Service at the beginning of each month.
To do this we will be meeting for practices on the second, third and fourth Tuesday evenings of each month at Kencot Village Hall at 7.30pm. The idea is to try and not only prepare for the next Benefice Service, but also practice some other basic choral skills and build on both our repertoire and our ability. I like to try and make the 'practice side' interesting and to a degree both informative and dare I say it 'fun'.
Many of you may already have come across me when I sit at the organ for various benefice services, as apart from farming locally I am a church organist. I have also been involved to a high level with a number of choirs, having sung all over the country to various standards, including in a number of cathedrals on short courses.
As a choir we would welcome new faces, both young and old; on a personal note, I am particularly keen to involve some of the younger members of the benefice, as it is from this age group that a choir can develop and move forwards from most easily - parents might like to come and join in too! I would only ask that you think you can sing in tune! If you are unsure, then please.come and see m and I will soon tell you; I personally hold the view that there are very few 'tone deaf people, it just sometimes takes a little training and teaching, which is what we try to achieve.
I can be contacted on 01993 841807, or come and see me at one of the services at which I play, normally at either Black Bourton or Filkins.
David New
CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
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We meet again on Wednesday 15` February in Filkins Methodist Chapel Schoolroom at 2.45pm. Helen Squire has agreed to be our speaker and to entrance us again with more of her `Tales from the Rectory'.
As usual, all are welcome to join us.
MAB
WOMEN'S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
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This is at 2.30pm on Friday 3rd March in Filkins Methodist Chapel.
This year the interdenominational service has been prepared by the Christian Women of South Africa. Please come and join us, everyone is welcome.
At the Fellowship meeting on Wednesday 1't March we will visit South Africa through a few slides which compliment the women's World Day of Prayer Service.
For more information telephone me on 01367 860504
Diane Blackett
SHILTON BAPTIST CHAPEL
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Paul Plank's piece about the chapel in last November's Parish Pump, set Hilda Hunt thinking about what the chapel has meant all her life.
My parents took me to the services as a baby. The chapel was not licensed then for christenings or marriages so I was christened at Carterton Methodist chapel. I started at Sunday School when I was five. I have a photo of me all dressed up in white hand- knitted coat and hat, complete with fur muff and black button boots, ready to be called for by Bessie Jones, a teacher, who later became Mrs Joe Read, Elizabeth Harfield's grandmother.
The chapel in those days was heated by a tortoise stove and lit by hanging oil lamps. Mr Bishop, the village baker, was in charge of the Sunday School, and also organised the running of the chapel and the rota of preachers. These came from other villages, and some were very good, but often talked about hellfire and other horrors, which children found very frightening.
Music was provided by a harmonium, pedalled furiously by the organist, quite hard work. As soon as I could play a hymn I started playing for Sunday School, and later became the regular organist for many years.
The Sunday School was well attended, and there were several annual treats, a great encouragement for regular attendance. If I remember rightly there was a Christmas tea, mainly bread and butter and slab cake. How different from the feasts of today. At Easter there was a musical service called `A Service of Song', and there was a summer outing. The first I remember was by horse and wagon to a picnic in a field. Later on we progressed to charabanc trips to various places. The chapel was eventually licensed for marriages in January 1940, only just in time for my wedding on 6' January, a day of frost and snow. There have been several marriage services since then.
The chapel went through a bad patch in the 1970's, and I remember several services with just the minister, organist and perhaps one or two in the congregation. But thankfully it is flourishing now with an average of around twenty in the congregation, and the centenary of the restoration celebrations in June 2003 were a time of great rejoicing. Long may it continue!
Hilda Hunt
The services during February are at 3.00pm. 5'6 February Informal
12th February Graham Sparrowhawk 19th February Barry Shepherd
26th February Mike & Chris Barrett
Elizabeth Harfteld
METHODIST NEWS
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Operation Christmas Child
Members of Filkins Methodist Chapel have, over the years, become accustomed to decorate and fill shoe boxes. These contain small gifts and treats for needy, deprived or orphaned children in Eastern Europe.
This year 2661 boxes were sent off from the Witney area, with a further 1,000 from Faringdon. Imagine all those happy faces!
Laura Farmer
POPPY APPEAL 2005
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Thank you to everyone in the Broadshire villages for contributing so generously the Poppy Appeal in 2005. The magnificent sum of £1,970 was raised during the year. The main contributions came from:
House-to-House and Static Points £1234.00 Broadwell £91.61 Filkins & Broughton Poggs £356.58 Kelmscott £112.87 Kencot £275.22 Langford £298.19 L Faringdon £100.00 Remembrance Service collection £390.00 VE/VJ Day Service/Sale of £346.00 Badges/Donations
I would like to pass on the thanks of the Head of the Poppy Appeal to the many village collectors who gave their time to achieve this record total. Then is a continuing need to help to ex-Servicemen and women (young and old) and their dependants when they no longer can help themselves. The support by everyone in this area for this worthy cause is very much appreciated.
Rachel Taylor
FILKINS & DISTRICT ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
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Remembrance Service 2005
The 2005 Remembrance Service took place at St Matthew's Church, Langford. The Service was preceded by a short Act of Remembrance at the village War Memorial. In addition to the President, Sir John Allison, laying the Legion wreath, an extra wreath, to commemorate those from the Broadshire villages killed in the two World Wars, was laid by William and Lisa Findlay-Wilson. It is hoped that we will be able to
continue to include participation of the younger generation in future yearsThe traditional service was well attended. We were pleased to have the Reverend Neville Usher-Wilson preaching. We did appreciate the help gives`° by the churchwardens; in particular, for their agreement that the collection should be donated to the Poppy Appeal. A marvelous total of £390 has beef ° sent to the Appeal.
Committee Meeting
The next Committee meeting will be held at the 5 Ails, Filkins at 7.30pm ` Tuesday 7''' February.
Jeremy Taylor
THE NATURE OF THE BIBLE
. At this time of year, we look back at Christmas and realise that for weeks on end we were surrounded by pictures of animals, domestic and wild, real and mythical, on greetings cards, on seasonal advertisements, on labels and wrappers, on the telly and even in the margins of our e-mails.
Even steering around any controversy about the secularisation of traditional Christmas images, this gives us cause to think about biblical fauna some way beyond the recently seasonal sheep in the fields and the ox and the ass in the stable. Not just reflecting on post-modern ideas like flocks of reindeer and herds of robins, either, but speculating about what the wildlife of the Holy Land was really like between two and four thousand years ago.
The Bible is an extraordinarily rich source of information on the subject, and although Linnaeus, one of the fathers of modern taxonomy, might have worried about the classification system in use at the time it was written, he would certainly have approved of the empiricism which was its main strength. Even if it was not particularly scientific, at least there was an iron logic to it. There was certainly a greater variety of animal life in the Middle East in biblical times than there is now. Some species have become extinct in the region (the wild ass and the lion, for example), and many others uncontroversially identified in the original Bible texts were never indigenous to the country anyway.
We are, of course, introduced to the proper order of the animal world in Genesis. `Moving creatures that have life' is later elaborated slightly to set out four groups of living things classified according to habitat, which largely determined their method of locomotion, namely:
The beasts who walked
The birds who flew
The fishes who swam
The creepers and crawlers
There are a few curious allocations. Moles and mice, presumably because of their very short legs, were considered creepers upon the face of the earth and lumped together with reptiles and certain insects. Locusts, although they appear to have four legs, were counted as fowls because they fly.
All four of the above categories were each subdivided into clean and unclean, which was in essence a guide to whether or not they were considered edible (sometimes by the doctors but mostly by the priests).
Leviticus says that anything with a cloven hoof which chews cud is eatable, and suggests a division of the `many things that swim in the water' according to whether they have fins and scales or not (like the great whales). It should be remembered, though, that Leviticus was being rather prescriptive and lawyerly:it was alright to eat things with scales and fins, but not to consume shellfish, eels and sharks. The Jews also considered all reptiles and most insects (except locusts, grasshoppers and some beetles) to be unclean
The word `beasts' is actually used in the Bible in two distinct contexts, one being simply a collective term for all quadrupeds, both wild and domesticated, and the other,, as in the extreme example of the Beast in Revelation, being more dless synonymous with monster or devil.`Behemoth', for example, is nowadays generally thought to be the elephant, the hippopotamus (right a somewhat fanciful 17h c engraving) or possibly the rhinoceros. The key thing is that it was large.
`Leviathan', also big, was almost certainly a sea creature (cf. Psalms and Isaiah), although many scholars believe it was a crocodile or an alligator, which are not normally thought of as living in the sea.
The commonest translation of `Tanniyn', mentioned twenty-eight times in the Bible, is `dragon'. Job would have us believe that Leviathan, like the traditional dragon, breathed fire, but he is pretty well on his own here. Close examination of the Tanniyn references suggests not a dragon but a serpent or simply an unspecified `great creature' which was sufficiently dangerous to life and limb to be fled from without asking too many questions.
Creatures that in translation we would think of as mythical, such as the dragon and the siren were probably quite real, just cases of mistaken identity. There is a slightly odd sub-order of conspiracy theorists who believe that explicit or oblique biblical references to monsters are talking about dinosaurs, thereby Darwinistically supporting the allegorical position as it faces up to the creationists, but they, too, may be brushing the incomprehensible under the carpet in the same way as the early struggling Bible translators.
Without wishing to attribute any kind of political correctness to them in their labours, there is no doubt that much symbolism in the Bible draws heavily on the perceived characteristics of animals, especially those which people would encounter in their every days lives. Goats, sheep, cattle, donkeys and camels head the list of most frequently mentioned species; here were ordinary means of livelihood as well as measures of wealth, but images of lions, eagles, doves, dogs and serpents - creatures with more interesting, if not necessarily more attractive personalities - also abound. See footnote/
It is occasionally startling to find references to fabulous beasts such as the unicorn and the griffon (left engraving from 1527) in more measured and less lyrical parts of the Bible than Revelation, job or the Psalms, and it has to be said that it is sometimes difficult to identify with any certainty some of the animals mentioned. We may struggle a bit with palmerworm (the locust larva), ossifrage (the lammergeyer vulture), the basilisk (a viper) and the charadrion (a heron), but the cockatrice, said to be produced from a cock's egg brooded by a serpent, likely has us beat.
The original Hebrew text of much of the Old Testament has been translated in various ways by scholars at various times. We can be reasonably sure than the `namer' is a leopard because it is described by Jeremiah and Habakkuk as spotted, swift and fiercer than wolves. The `re'em' has puzzled some, but a preferred translation is the Arabian oryx, whose two long horns from a distance can look like one, suggesting that sightings of this creature has given rise to the unicorn myth (indeed the 92°d Psalm refers unequivocally to a `horn [singular] like that of a re'em', which the KJV translates as `unicorn'). It can be seen that the Bible tends to look upon Nature, not as any sort of scientific study, but in terms of how Man has engaged with it. A great many spiritual lessons were drawn and illustrated from observation and this is surely good work which we should try to keep up.
It is profoundly to be hoped, however, that the great wealth of the English language will help us to avoid misidentification and disagreement about the species we observe around us. It is, of course, not given to everyone to be in a position to translate from the ancient scripts into modern idiom, but various concentrated efforts over the past four hundred years or so do provide some lessons.
If all the scholars who at various times produced the Authorised Version, the Revised Version, the International Version, the Standard Version, the American Version, the New English Version, etc. etc. were to get together to vote on the most confusing books they had ever worked on, the winner wou probably be Isaiah: the same original word is variously translated as porcupine, bittern, hedgehog, owl and bustard. Zephaniah comes in a close second with pelican, cormorant, vulture, desert owl, and horned owl. However useful as statements of character, wealth, livelihood or metaphor a the animals of the Bible are in their different ways, though, a special prize ought to go the humble goat. In the days when sacrifices were literally common, it was sometimes the practice to kill a goat and sprinkle its blood over the back of a second goat, which would then be set loose and driven in the wilderness, symbolically taking the sins of the people with it - the scapegoat.
Footnote. It is strange to discover that, in spite of its huge significance in Ancient Egypt, the cat is not mentioned at all in the King James Bible. It is mentioned just once in the Apocrypha.
Mike Clark
THE ORGANIST
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In Kencot church, the organ roars,
The fleeing faithful storm the doors.
Too loud, they say, quite o'er the top;
Will it never, ever stop?
My feet, they stomp with stiffened knees,
My fingers pound the ivory keys.
If they can talk at the top of their voice, I surely have no other choice?
But I am of forgiving bent
And next time, yes, I will relent. `
Abide with me' they do so love;
I think of Ernest and his Dove.
Crimond's old hat, but what the hell,
The old ones always go down well. `
Sun of my soul' to them is dear.
This is what they come to hear.
'Ave verum corpus' too...
It all churns out like liquid glue.
If simple tunes are not enough,
Let's move on to the heavier stuff.
Handel's `Largo', fare sublime
Ombria `My Fooooo'.. just one more time!
Berenice's still a sure fire bet,
For you can't go wrong with a minuet
And Albert Ketelbey is the fellow
For distant bells across a meadow. ,
< When it comes to canons, I can't refuse
And Pachalbel is the one they'd choose
Faure's a man about whom they rave
But I've made the poor fellow turn' in grave.
Though this may seem both bitter and trite, My Bach, to be sure, is worse than my' bite.
FC
FROM THE REGISTERS
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HOLY BURIAL -
6th January Black Bourton Doris Ruth Gutteridge aged 93 years
6th January Black Bourton Margaret Hilda Austen aged 84 years Followed by Cremation
ALVESCOT St Peter's
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CHRISTMAS AT ST PETER'S
How good it is to be part of a community; the church, a school, a village and how heart warming it is when that whole community comes together in celebration of an event two thousand years ago.
We all lead busy lives and in the high street, cards, baubles and tinsel seem to appear earlier every year but Christmas really started with advent and a beautiful ring with five white candles. Christingle followed and excited children proudly went up to the altar to collect the oranges, candles, ribbons, raisins and sweets they had assembled to represent the light of the world. Older members of the congregation were also pleased to be included, especially the church wardens.
The carol service was just as well attended, atmospheric in the candle light with some lovely solos, readings and a splendid little choir. Mulled wine and mince pies were appreciated at the end of the service where someone remarked that it felt as if everyone had been involved. The village carol singing was hearty, bringing Christmas cheer to all. Midnight gave us one last chance in Alvescot to sit and reflect not only on Christmas and the birth of that baby but also the importance of togetherness and a community working together.
THANK YOU SUE EUSTACE! St Peter's is very fortunate in that it has an enthusiastic and hard working PCC. A good team, that works well together as well as being the sum total of its individual members.
Sue Eustace has fitted that description perfectly both as a team player and individually as treasurer for over ten years, working tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of the church finances. At times this may have seemed near impossible as those of you attached to PCCs will know - there is never enough money; repairs and upkeep continually keep a treasurer on her toes. Sue has carried out her task with such grace, efficiency and immense expertise that it has probably masked the effort involved.
It is with pride that we acknowledge that on our behalf Sue has always paid the parish share on time, not easy when there is often little notice of a usually fairly substantial increase. It has not however gone unnoticed and a token of our appreciation in the form of a painting of our church and vouchers were presented to Sue on her retirement as treasurer at our last PCC meeting.
The saying usually quotes a woman behind a great man but in this instance Alan more than deserves a mention. He's been magnificent in supporting Sue in her role and has also been a very good friend to St Peter's always willing to help, quietly and efficiently.
Thank you both. JayneLewin
ST PETER'S INFANT SCHOOL
On behalf of the children, staff and governors of St Peter's I would like to wish you all a very happy new year.
The end of last term proved to be as busy but just as wonderful as all Christmas's are at St Peter's.
The Christmas celebrations began with our Christmas Bazaar_ This year we raised the incredible amount of £1251 and we would like to thank you all once again for supporting this event so well by helping man stalls, selling raffle tickets and coming along, which all contributed to such a great total.
We are hoping that this money raised will go towards replacing some of the play equipment on the top field.
Once more Christmas time at St Peter's was filled with many wonderful memories. The nativity was yet again truly magnificent. The children were wonderful and the performances they gave were quite remarkable for children so young. Thanks, this year, go to all the staff who worked so hard to give the children this wonderful opportunity. It truly was a great team effort. We were delighted that Colin Newlands was able to accompany us on the piano once again and thank him for his continued commitment and dedication to the school. We raised the wonderful sum of £100 in the collections after the Nativity performances for Children In Need.
The whole school visited the Oxford Playhouse to see the pantomime of Cinderella and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
The Rev Harry MacInnes led the Christingle service on the last Sunday of the term. This was well supported and money was raised in aid of The Children's Society. Thank you to all those who attended, and for your donations, as well as to Reggie from the Cotswold Wildlife Park who donated the oranges.
Thank you also to all those who contributed gifts to Simon House. Our contributions are always gratefully received by those who find themselves homeless in Oxford.
Unfortunately we had to say goodbye to Mae Snelson at the end of the Autumn Term who has now emigrated to Australia and at the start of the Spring Term we said good- bye to Ben Roberts whose family have been posted to Lincolnshire. We hope that both children and their families will be very happy in their new homes and look forward to hearing from them once they have settled.
St Peter's is in the news again, after its success in gaining the Naacemark for the quality of the teaching of ICT, our school has now been assimilated to the new National ICT Mark. We are one of the first 100 schools to be successful in gaining this award and only 69% of schools applying for assimilation from the Naacemark (which we were awarded earlier this year) to the National Mark have been successful to date. We will receive our certificate in January. We were delighted that both Ethan Giles and Ella Cox in Class 2 won prizes in the ICT Team's National Poetry Competition 2005. Ethan's entry gained 1st place in the KS1 category and has won a Digital Blue Movie Camera for the school and a professionally printed copy of his poem. Ella's entry gained
2nd place in the KS1 category and has won a professionally printed copy of her poem for school. Both will receive a printed copy of their poem to take home.
For the term ahead mark 25`h March on your calendar now as the school will be holding a Murder Mystery night at the Village Hall. We look forward to seeing you there!
Sam King
SHILL VALLEY WI
We meet on the first Wednesday of each month in the Village Hall at 7.30pm. Visitors are always very welcome (£1.50 includes refreshments, raffle 20p). February's meeting is our AGM where the new programme for 2006 will be available to members and visitors alike. This year we have a full and varied programme which will include `Gardeners Question Time', a craft evening and an outing to Friars Court amongst other things. If you would like a copy of the programme, or any further information, please contact me on 01993 214107
Melanie Bryant (Secretary)
THE `F' WORD!
The Christmas decorations are barely back in the loft, but already our thoughts turn to the `F' word... Our Fete will take place in the hazy lazy distant days of summer on Saturday 17th June.
Same venue or different venue? Same stalls or different stalls? Supporting the same Village organisations or different? If you have any new ideas and views, or are interested in joining the Committee, or just helping on the day, you are warmly invited to the Open Meeting to be held on Monday 6th February, 8.00pm at St Peter's School.
If you can't attend the meeting, but have any thoughts or would like to be included in the team, please contact me (01993 841522).
Ann Cadogan
BLACK BOURTON St Mary's
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GRAND PLANT SALE
Please make a date in your diary for Saturday 20`h May, when I will be hosting a Grand Plant Sale for the NCCPG (National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens).
The Sale will be from 10.00am to 1.00pm at Bridge House, and is an excellent way to preserve our plant heritage, by encouraging the conservation of our plants in different parts of the country.
Liz Welch
BROADWELL St Peter & St Paul's
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CAROL SINGING See Kencot BROADSHIRES PRESCHOOL
We welcome the new children and their families who have joined Pre-School in January. Our topic this term is living things and the children will be looking at babies, animals and fish to compare their characteristics. We hope to visit the farm to look at the calves. At the end of January we will celebrate Chinese New Year, cook stir-fry rice, and attempt to eat using chop sticks. We are holding a 50/50 sale of nearly new clothes (ages 0 to 10) and secondhand toys on Saturday 11th March from 10.00am to 12.00noon. 50% of the proceeds will go to the pre-school. Anyone with items for sale, please contact 01993 842312 for a sellers pack.
Jackie Overton
FILKINS & BROUGHTON POGGS St Peter's
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CHURCH FLOWERS February Elizabeth Gidman PCC TALENTS SCHEME The Talents Scheme has lasted longer than expected and still has a length or two to run (see activities planned for 4th March) but we promised to let you know how much money has been raised so far. The grand total is £5,390.05 Twenty five x £10 has been turned into this impressive sum of money by people who took the tenner, then added energy and enterprise. We've watched the range and variety of these activities as they have taken place over the last fifteen months; something for everyone and lots of fun along the route. You may have found yourself laughing, eating and drinking, finding out about something new to you, bartering, admiring, listening and more, and more. There is so much talent out there and so many people who have been prepared to join in.
When we discussed this plan our priority was to involve as many people as possible in, yes, the fundraising, but more than anything else, in having a good time. It has been very enjoyable, for the whole community.
Thank you to everyone for turning your talents to this cause, to repair the fabric of the village churches.
Gill Allison
ANNUAL VILLAGE LITTER PICK UP
Rain or shine, the Litter Pick-up will start from Filkins Farmhouse at 1.30pm on Saturday 25`h February. Please come along and help to keep our village the Best Kept Village in Oxfordshire for the second year running. All you need to bring is yourselves and a pair of gloves, and there will be refreshments available afterwards at Filkins Farmhouse. Chris Bristow
FILKINS THEATRE Review Time!
A rip-roaring evening of song, readings, belly-dancing and perhaps a play on Friday 10th March. More information to follow in March's Parish Pump. AGM
The Annual General meeting will be held on Friday 3`d March in the Village Hall at 7.30pm. The meeting will be short and will be followed by a social evening with refreshments. Everyone is welcome, particularly if you are new to the area and are interested in joining, so please come along to visit friends or to make new ones. For more information about Filkins Theatre, call Barabara Bristow (01367 860195) or me (01367 860229).
Sue Ashforth-Smith
TABLE TOP SALE
From the sublime to the ridiculous... Brand new designer clothes, furniture, tea and cakes, jumble and much, much more! The Sale is on Saturday 4' March from 10.00am to 12 noon in the Village Hall. All proceeds will go to church funds. If you would like more information, or to book a table (£6) call Janet Higham (01367 860197) or me (01367 860229)
Sue Ashforth-Smith
ST PATRICK'S DAY
On Friday 17th March the church will be hosting a St Patrick's Day supper in the Village Hall. Further details in due course...
JAM JARS .
Some months ago I asked Parish Pump readers to let me have any spare jam jars and I was overwhelmed by the response. Every time I came home there were bags of them by the door, and I really thought I would have enough to last for the rest of my life.
Unbelievably, I have almost used them all. I was asked what I was doing with them - nothing more exciting than making jam/marmalade to sell as part of our Talent Scheme. At the risk of being inundated, if you do have any jam jars please drop them off at Filkins Farmhouse or call me on 01367 860195 and I will come and pick them up. Barbara Bristow
PARISH COUNCIL Next meeting
The next Council meeting will take place 7th February at 7.30pm in the Committee Room, at the Village Hall. Everyone is welcome as an observer. Parish Information
Please remember all leaflets of interest, minutes and agendas are on display on the notice boards in the bus shelter, Post Office and Broughton Poggs. There is a more comprehensive file in the coffee shop at the Cotswold Woollen Weavers. What better opportunity to read the minutes, bring yourself up to date and have a coffee at the same time!
Parish Plan
The Parish Plan has now been published, and distributed. Do read it, and send us your comments, or offer to help.
Cris Hoad
ST FILICA
I would like to take this opportunity to thank David, Natalie and John from The Five Alls for their support to St. Filica since they moved in. They have organized several events and on each occasion made a donation to us. Three committee members were lucky enough, before Christmas, to be asked to count the money in the large whisky bottles kept on the bar. The total was £137.18 which they have asked to be distributed at the AGM.
They also ran a sweepstake on how many coins and the value of money in the full jar. There were 3683 coins amounting to £95.07. Making a combined total of 13190. The winner with the nearest guess was Andy Hoad.
Don't forget the AGM on 215` February in the 5 Alls. Everyone is welcome.
Cris Hoad
YOGA
A reminder that Burford ACL runs a yoga class in Filkins Village Hall on Mondays from 9.45-11.45am. This is a great way to start the week, work off any excesses of the weekend and to restore calm and equilibrium. The class is very sociable and good fun, and it is mixed, so not just for ladies! For more information call me on 01367 860195. Barbara Bristow
BELLY DANCING
Belly dancing classes are held in the Village Hall on a Monday night as follows:
From 6.00 to 7.00pm Parents and children together
From 7.00 to 8.00pm Adults only
Come-along and shimmy your cares away, while learning some snappy new `Shakira- type' moves. For more information, give me a ring on 01367 860536
Nikki Livermore
WI NEWS
We are now well into planning an interesting program for the next few months. We ended 2005 with a very enjoyable Christmas Party and hope that our visitors on the evening had a good time. We were well supplied with mulled wine and mountains of party food and entertained with quizzes. We were then treated to a special `spooky story' told to us by Pat Clark - the hall was silent except for Pat's soft voice - unusual some might say for a hall filled with 35 ladies!
If you are interesting in joining the WI or just wish to visit us for a Wednesday evening meeting to `try us out' please do speak to one of the members or come along on the evening. Our speakers are well advertised throughout the village each month. We are also planning outings and walks so watch this space or our notices for further information.
Hilary Ward
ROSTER FOR VOLUNTARY CAR SERVICE TO SURGERIES
Covering Filkins, Broughton Poggs, Broadwell, Kencot, Langford and L Faringdon
2nd February Mrs B Bristow 860195 28' February Mrs P Clark 860500
7th February Mr A Woodford 860319 2nd March Mrs M Cover 860302
9th February Lady Cripps 860209 7th March Mr A Woodford 860319
14th February Miss H Squire 860337 9`h March Mrs V Godfrey 860498 16th February Mr A Woodford 860319 14' March Mr J Moir 860031
21st February Mrs K Morley 860420 16th March Mrs C Lauzier 860644
23nd February Mrs L White 860461 (All codes 01367)
For hospital runs, or with any problems, contact me on 01367 860319.
The charges are: Local surgery runs £2.00
Hospitals: Fairford & Witney £6.00
Swindon & Cirencester £8.00
Oxford £10.00
At the JR parking charges have to be paid under the new parking arrangements, and these may have to be added to the bill.
New volunteers are always welcome (do give me a ring) Tony Woodford
HOLWELL St Mary's
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RIDE OR STRIDE
Almost everyone gets roped in somehow to take part in the Ride or Stride for the Oxford Historic Churches Trust. Thanks go to those who welcomed riders to Holwell Church, and a big thank you to the Holwell bikers, who dodged the showers and clocked up the churches.
Experienced campaigner John Sprawson set the pace, followed by the unruly herd of Paul Hadaway, Ed Lamont, Amanda Cayzer, Julie-Anne Edwards, Reggie Heyworth and George O'Rourke, with Anthony Galione bringing up the rear, and Henry Cole ploughing a solitary furrow somewhere.
Special thanks to Bryan Taylor for bringing a spare bike when Julie-Anne's buckled under the strain. The team has raised a total of £6,300 (not including Gift Aid), which should be a new county record - Thank you all.
. Reggie Heyworth
KELMSCOTT St George'sNo news this month
KENCOT
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St George's
CHURCH FLOWERS February Susan Portergill
CAROL SINGING
The carol singing round Kencot and Broadwell in 2005 must rank as two of our best ever evenings. We were blessed with perfect weather, a clear sky, relatively warm, no rain and dry underfoot. There were eight singers on 20th December and 18 on 23rd December and we were accompanied by Andrew Auger on his melodica.
We were delighted to have seven Kencot newcomers and four old Kencot friends to swell our numbers, but sadly only two singers from Broadwell.
Refreshments were gratefully received on our rounds and we ended in Broadwell at the Molyneaux home and at Kencot Village Hall on the second night, when singing continued until 1 1.00pm.
Our thanks to all who provided and served us refreshments and to those who contributed so generously The splendid sum of £450 has been sent to Cancer Research UK. Since 1982 we have sent the Charity £5,800.
John Barstow
ARRIVALS Congratulations to Lizzie James and Alex Snow of Kencot Manor on the birth of their daughter, Ella on 14' December..
LANGFORD St Matthew's
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CHURCH FLOWERS February Mrs R Range
ST. MATTHEW S CHURCH We had another two very successful evenings under the tutelage of our enthusiastic `choir mistress', raising £420 for the Church, which means that the singing must have been of an acceptable standard, and is in fact a record. Great fun was had by all the singers, and many thanks to all those who turned out on cold evenings.
Thanks also to Gerry Austin, Jacqui at the Bell and all that provided much welcome sustenance during the evenings. A very special thanks to Christine for arranging it all.
LANGFORD LADIES
In December we had our Christmas Celebration Meal at the Five Alls in Filkins, everyone had a great time. Thanks were given to everyone who helped make Langford Ladies a success in 2005. Flowers were presented to Chrissy for her hard work during the year, which were warmly received.
New membership started on 12th January (£10 for the year), with a social evening. Some of next year's speakers will be - Denise Kemp and the Air Ambulance Service. Visitors most welcome - £1. We meet every 2nd Thursday, at 7.30pm in Langford Village Hall. Raffle and refreshments are available.
WHIST EVENINGS
Come and join us - Whist is held every 1st Tuesday in the month at Langford Village Hall.
Entrance £1, to include tea & biscuits at half time, we play for fun with small prizes for winners. Everyone welcome. If you have not played before join us ten minutes early for tuition. Start time 7.30pm. Enquiries on 01993 852378.
Jo
ST CHRISTOPHER'S NEWS
The end of last Term seems an age away! We had a fantastic time and children and staff enjoyed a very festive last week. We had a visit to Chipping Norton Theatre to see Puss-in-Boots, which everyone loved. Classes 1 & 2 presented their versions of the Nativity, with songs, music and amazing acting and dancing. We felt very privileged to have shared these wonderful performances. These were followed a few days later by a traditional Carol Service lead by the KS2 children in St Matthew's Church with the children leading all the readings and prayers and the choir singing beautifully. We were led by the Rev Harry MacInnes and we thank him for his continuing support. The Christmas lunch and party was enjoyed by all, and we had a very special visitor to the school, who was found in the road when his sleigh had broken down and escorted to the school by our friends at RAF Brize Norton. The final Christmas event to take place was a wonderful Christingle Service which took place in St Matthew's and we would like to thank the churchwardens for their and help and encouragement over the last term. Now we are all back at school after the Christmas Holiday break and anticipating a busy and exciting term for all our children. We are delighted to welcome Selina Crozier and Julie Banks as Teaching Assistants in Class 1 and 3. We are also looking forward to Natalie Simmons, a PGCE student, joining us for a teaching placement on 23`a January. Natalie will be with us for 6 weeks working with Miss Pheby in Class 3.
We were all delighted to hear the Mrs Wargent had a baby boy called Theo. Mother and baby popped into school so that we could all meet the new arrival and both were doing very well. We look forward to welcoming Marie back from her maternity leave later in the year, and just to make sure we keep School numbers up Mrs Cookson will be going off on maternity leave in February and we all wish her the very best (and we hope that will be enough Maternity leave for our staff at present.)
Topics for the term look very exciting and we have a number of visits and visitors to the school including a local Roman expert, Martinus, who will be helping the children in Class 3 to understand what it was like to live in Roman Britain. World Book Day is at the beginning of March and we will be holding a Literacy Focus Week to highlight the importance of reading and the fun and joy it can bring. If anyone is able to offer some expert knowledge or share a literary talent please do contact the school.
In March our Year 5 and 6 children will be heading off to Shropshire for their annual residential. This is a fantastic opportunity for the children to enjoy a range of Outdoor and Adventurous activities including abseiling, high ropes and archery. The week also involves a great deal of team building with children (and staffl) working together to solve problems and stretch themselves in many ways The visit to the Pioneer Centre was so enjoyed last year by all who went that even the staff are fighting over the places this year! Please do not hesitate to contact the school if you have anything you would like to ask us and may we take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and peaceful 2006.
Lucinda Macfarlane
LITTLE FARINGDON St Margaret's
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800TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
The PCC has agreed that 2006 should mark the 800th anniversary of St Margaret's church. These events and dates for the diary are now firm, and further details will be circulated after a committee meeting in March.
Saturday 17'h June Village Party (probably tea) at Langford House Sunday 18th June Church Lunch at Langford House. This will again be our major fund-raising effort for the fabric of St Margaret's
Early Autumn A soiree in the church
Jeremy Taylor
SHILTON Holy Rood
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NON-CHRISTMAS LUNCH
Our Lunch on Sunday 18'th December was enjoyed by some 54 people and made £202 for the Old School coffers, despite the smoky smell accompanying the meal. This wasn't anything to do with the cooking, it was caused by logs stacked against the wood-burning stove the previous evening having caught light and smouldered merrily for hours, filling the hall with smoke.
Fortunately this was discovered by late-night revellers returning home (yes, in Shilton) so no lasting damage was done.
CAROL SINGING
Our Carol singing outing around the village on Friday, 23rd December, raised a further £173 (they're a generous lot in Shilton!), which is being donated to the Pakistan earthquake appeal. Many thanks to the Girl Guides from Carterton, and their accompanying adults, who joined us - please come again next year, you were great!
NEW YEARS GALA
We had a good night at the Old School on 31" December and our New Year's Eve Gala Dinner raised £500 for the Church of the Holy Rood, Shilton. The evening was topped off by the ringing of our church bells and the detonation of a rather large firework, which went with more of a bang than we were expecting (apologies to anyone we startled).
DIARY DATES
Shilton activities planned for later this year are as follows:
15th April Egg rolling/Easter bonnet parade and Easter tea 18th June Open Gardens
July Barbecue by the pond August Fete
September Ride & Stride
September/October Harvest Supper
Halloween Organised trick & treating followed by... .. party/race night/ supper
November Quiz night
NEW CHURCH GUIDE
For the Parish Church a new `walk around' guide has been produced entitled Stones, Stories & Mysteries. If you haven't seen it yet do pop into the church and have a look. Personal copies can be purchased - please contact 01993 841194. For every special occasion during the year the church has been beautifully decorated and it looked stunning with the tower lit up for Christmas and the New Year.
KEEP FIT
Shift those extra festive pounds with Sandie's classes every Thursday at 7pm in the Old School. £3.50 per session. All ages and abilities welcome.
HISTORY GROUP
The next meeting will be in the Old School, Shilton on February 10th at 7.30pm. We are delighted to welcome back Mr. Ken Betheridge who will continue his talk on The Wychwood Forest, concentrating on the Western Area. Visitors are always welcome at our meetings.
Lorna Walker
BRADWELL VILLAGE
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Bradwell Village is part of Shilton Parish
CAROL SINGING
A donation of £116 was made to Macmillan Cancer Relief following the Carol Service in Bradwell Village Hall. The carols, readings and short talk from Brian Howden were inspiring and the seasonal refreshments enjoyed by all. It was a lovely start to the Christmas festivities.
Many thanks to all who supported this special event.
BEAUTY & THE BEAST
This was a complete sell-out. Many thanks to everyone who supported this recent event in Bradwell Village Hall and sincere apologies to those we had to turn away! The Oxford Touring Theatre Company treated us to a wonderful performance - everyone enjoyed the evening.
The profits will be put towards the purchase of more of the comfortable chairs - with apologies to those people who were sitting on the old wooden ones! We hope to be able to host future productions from OTTC so watch this space!
MOVIES ON THE MOVE
The next show will be Casablanca on Friday 10`h March in Bradwell Village Hall at 7:30pm. Refreshments will be available. Everyone welcome.
COFFEE, ANYONE?
Bradwell Village Coffee Shop is open every Friday from 10:30am - 12:30pm in the Village Hall selling hot and cold drinks and home-made cakes (and sometimes savouries.)
A STITCH IN TIME...
Bradwell Village Stitchers meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 10.30am to 2.30pm to stitch, share ideas and gain inspiration. Anyone interested in Needlecraft is invited to bring their work and a packed lunch. Drinks and biscuits are provided. The half-annual subscription if £10.
WESTWELL St Mary's .
CAROL SERVICE
It has become our custom to ask one person or family to make their choices for our Carol Service; this year Judy Hurd used her many talents to devise an interesting and imaginative combination of carols, hymns and readings. Included was a sketch acted by Robin and Toby Dunipace, where we saw an innkeeper from Bethlehem resist in a most determined manner the demands of another late arrival at his inn. This man, a smooth talking and rather rich travelling salesman, was determined that his donkey should be accommodated in the stable of the inn, rather than be left on the road.
However the innkeeper had already let the stable to a young couple (of whom the wife was expecting a baby any moment), and he would have nothing of this persuasion. There were also reports that the local shepherds had been singing nearby in the fields, and a newsflash about some rather preoccupied and learned men who had been following a star rather than looking where they were going on the road to Bethlehem, thereby causing traffic problems. Arthur Pont and Judy gave us a refreshing angle on old truths, which is surely a good way to prepare for Christmas, and we do thank them both for their efforts. Also thanks go to the readers and those who decorated the Church so attractively. Who would like arrange our Carol service next year?
Afterwards Douglas and Judy were kind enough to entertain all comers, we are deeply grateful for their pleasant hospitality.
THANKS AND EVER THANKS
As the New Year starts, it is surely time to thank lots of people who have kept our Church open, clean and decorated in the last year. It is all too easy to take it for granted that the Church will be unlocked all day and yet secure again at night, but splendid people do this every day and we thank you.
Volunteers clean St Mary's Church and keep welcoming flowers by the altar in all appropriate weeks, and at other times the churchyard has been tidied by working parties. Thank you all for the love and effort year round. Yes, I know, it is ongoing, as is the appreciation.
Chris Fox
0845 8 505 505
This number should be used for all non-emergency calls to Thames Valley Police. All calls will be charged at local rates. This is the only non-emergency contact number for the police. In an emergency call 999. It is an emergency if a crime is being committed, or is about to be committed, or if there is a risk of serious injury.
TWO WAYS OF LOOKING AT IT
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Look both ways, and manage change, says Leftfooter
By now our annual encounter with the Roman god Janus is fading into the background. TV and magazine reviews of 2005 are in the archives, whilst the pundits have stopped speculating about 2006 as terra incognita. Perhaps, by now, too, some of our New Year resolutions are looking as yellow and tattered as December's newspapers.
It is easy to become cynical about all the new beginnings we promise ourselves. Some of us fresh-starters don't just spend New Year's Eve drawing up lists of (pretty familiar) dos and donts. We're at it again every birthday, and at the start of each financial year, if we're in business, or in the Roman bust ofJanus Vatican museum autumn, if we work in education. Some of us are mindful that every year we pass, unwittingly, the date of our eventual death - and factor that into our meditations. This may be a little morbid for most modern British tastes, but the memento mori has been a mainstay of Christian, Buddhist and Hindu contemplation for thousands of years.
Before we forget all about him for 2006, let's look at Janus again. Which way, for him, is forwards, and which way back? How we answer that question may depend on whether we are left- or right-handed. There are, after all, always at least two ways of looking at anything.
Is it too fanciful, to see in the picture of our Roman god, a symbol of our ambiguous approach to change? On the one hand, we hate it. At best, change;, is unsettling, at worst frightening or repellent. `Progress' is merely entropy, -; wrapped in the emperor's new clothes. Nor can we control change, it it seems no surprise that of all the employees that MORI has surveyed over decades, the highest positive score any organisation recorded in response to the claim `We manage change well here' was a far from reassuring 40%.
Yet we know very well that change is inevitable. We also know that it can beneficial, desirable, full of promise. The compelling instinct to improve, not only ourselves, but the world in which we find ourselves, is as deeply ingrained in our nature as fear of the unknown. So let's not be too harsh on..' our fragile resolutions. Changing the bits of ourselves that concern us most is hard: how could it be otherwise? We might stand a better chance of making progress if we follow the lead of spiritual leaders from West and East alike. Forget `New Years'. Let's try to spend our time in currency of more manageable denominations: New Days, Hours, Minutes. How might 2006 feel if we tried to live each moment as if it really counted? As Shakespeare put it, in the last lines he ever wrote for the stage (Theseus is addressing the `heavenly Charmers') Let us be thankful
For that which is, and with you leave dispute
That are above our question: Let's go off
And bear us like the time.
Many Happy Moments in 2006!
Leftfooter
NATURE NOTES
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This month, David looks closely at owls' ear., and also finds that moles aren't always a pest!
As I write this month's nature notes it is a cold raw grey day with the temperature hovering just above freezing. All the forecasts were for a very cold winter but so far this has not materialised. The few short spells of frost have however brought the late autumn leaves down at last. Today (6th January) I watched a restless group of up to 200 fieldfares foraging in a field now that most of the berries have gone. I have seen very few redwings this year.
A couple of weeks ago I was told of three tawny owls flying low over set aside fields mid to late afternoons. I had three sightings of these over successive afternoons. One time a single bird swept low over a hedge and quartered low over the tussocky grass hunting for food (mainly voles, mice and insects). The single bird was followed by a pair of birds acting as the first bird and searching low over the grass, sometimes going down amongst the grass tussocks then continuing to search.
I now believe these to be short eared owls (right). They have relatively unnoticeable ear tufts unlike the rarer long eared owls with long ear tufts raised when alarmed. The short eared's are often out and about in the daytime and there are more of them about in the winter since there are often large numbers of visitors from the continent. One dropped to the ground at the same spot as a kestrel hawk and there were some odd noises of protest before the owl took off and then the kestrel, flying in opposite directions. I must go back for another look to see if I can see its distinctive yellow eyes as opposed to the orange eyes of the long eared and the dark eyes of the tawny. Some mole hills just thrown up on someone's lawn reminded me of a recent report of moles digging up a garden near Withington and turning up some mosaic tiles. This led to `Time Team' investigating recently and unearthing what would appear to be a large Roman bathhouse. There is already a Roman Villa close by at Chedworth and another one at Withington within three hundred yards of this latest discovery. If you have moles in your garden who knows what they may unearth?
I was watching a robin behaving strangely on a patch of grass once and up to the surface popped a mole. I think the robin was hoping for some ready dug worms!
Lets hope the long range forecast was not correct and that we continue the winter with short spells of cold weather but who knows.
David Roberts
POTTERING IN THE POTTING SHED
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Spring will soon be in the air, so, of course... It's Bulb Time t is amazing just how early in the year the very first furl of the aconite can be seen breaking the surface of the soil beneath the trees and how it makes the heart leap with joy at the prospect of what is still to come. With the promise of snowdrops, crocuses, daffodils, fritillarias and tulips - the list goes on - and although many summer flowering bulbs are available for purchasing in the autumn, some, especially the more tender ones, are available in late winter and spring. Most are tender (not hardy) or marginally hardy, which is wny tney should oe pianted in spring arter all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
It is more common to plant springflowering bulbs in grass so that mowing can be resumed in summer. Summer-flowering bulbs however, such as Camassia with their cheerful blue or white flowers and Nectaroscordum (ornamental onion) can be added to a summer meadow. This type of meadow can be mown early in the spring, before bulbs or wildflowers emerge, and can then be left until the bulbs have died down in late summer.
Potted bulbs can be purchased in flower for instant gap fillers or patio displays and can be transferred to the border after flowering. Bulbs such as lilies are especially suited to container cultivation. Planting bulbs such as Allium, to emerge through the foliage of spring-flowering herbaceous plants, helps to extend the flowering season. Tender bulbs in containers can be moved to drier, frost-free conditions in winter and allowed to dry out. Agapanthus, Canna, Freesia, Zantedeschia make ideal subjects. Border grown bulbs such as Gladioli and Dahlias can be lifted and stored over winter. Dry the bulbs and remove loose soil before storing in frost-free conditions. Store at 40°F to 50°F in trays of almost dry sand or peat, but do not allow bulbs to become too dry. Like their spring-blooming counterparts, summer-flowering bulbs (as well as corms and tubers) are essentially programmed to flower during the warmest months. If they are planted in the right spot, and watered regularly, they will bloom freely. In most regions, summer bulbs can be grown as annuals so even northern gardeners can enjoy unusual flowers such as those of Galtonia and Ornithogalum, which thrive in midsummer when other flowers are fading. Perennial crocosmias range from the bright canary yellows to the flashy tomato reds. Plant them bursting out of a group of quieter colours or in a subtropical border packed with hothouse colours. The bulbs freely increase and the flowers can be used for cutting.
Using summer-flowering bulbs is a good way of adding interest and variety to a border without using up extra space. Colchicums and Nerines, which can be planted from late spring onwards, will provide a show which extends well into to the autumn. This is just the sort of project to undertake on one of those milder,, damp days when the soil is relatively easy to turn over and it will pay huge dividends when the summer arrives.
Anne Greenwood
COOKING WITH KATE
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February is the month between January's diet and Lent so here are two potato dishes that can be served with a green salad, a glass of wine and no feeling of guilt.
Tartiflette
750g (1lb l0oz) large potatoes , 1 large onion knob of butter
8 rashers of smoked back bacon finely chopped 285 (l0oz) Reblochon cheese
150ml (5fl oz) single cream
Peel and thickly slice potatoes, boil in salted water for 7or 8 minutes, drain, finely chop the onion, and fry in butter until soft.
Add the bacon and cook until golden.
Spoon half the potatoes into a buttered oven dish, sprinkle over half the bacon, onion and cheese, season lightly and then repeat the layers. Pour over the cream and bake in a hot oven 220C (425F or Gas mark 7) for 15 minutes until piping hot and browned on top.
A variation on this theme is... Chunky Potato Melt 600g (llb 5oz) waxy potatoes 1 vegetable stock cube
130g (5oz) pack pancetta cubes or lardons 6 medium shallots cut into wedges
150g (5oz) baby button mushrooms 10 leaves fresh sage, chopped
2 cloves of garlic crushed 250g (9oz) petit Pont 1'Eveque Salt and freshly ground pepper Put potatoes in a medium sized saucepan, cover with water and add stock cube, bring to boil and simmer until tender, drain, cut into large chunks and save.
Meanwhile heat the olive oil in the frying pan and cook the pancetta or lardons until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to an 8 inch square oven proof dish. Now in the saute pan cook the shallots and mushrooms for 5 to 7 minutes adding the sage and garlic for a couple of minutes at the end of the cooking.
Add these with all the pan juices and the potatoes to the dish, mix well and season. Remove cheese from its packaging and place on the top. Place on the middle shelf of the oven, pre-heated to 2000 (400fF or Gas mark 6). Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the top has browned. Serve immediately
Kate Morley
FILKINS VILLAGE SHOP
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Our Village Shop, the full shop offering, opened to much acclaim on Saturday 17`h December.
The launch party was a huge success. Everyone was eager to see what is on offer and were very surprised by our wide range of products and services. For those of you who have not yet found us, let me give you a guided tour...
Our shop, our products and services
You will find a wide range of grocery products from batteries to nappies, tinned soup to dried herbs, light bulbs to frozen chips and of course, penny sweets, chocolates crisps and soft drinks!
We have tried to include all the items you might run out of or forget during your weekly shop. We are continuing to expand the grocery product lines, so if we don't have what you are looking for please let us know and we will see what we can introduce.
Once you have visited us to pick up the washing-up liquid you forgot at the supermarket, you will be able to see the really interesting stuff - the stuff you can't get in the supermarket! We have worked hard to find fantastic local suppliers and we are continuing to add to this range. Kelmscott pork sausages, Bibury smoked trout and Palace Cuisine breads have been flying off the shelves. We are stocking products from all of these suppliers on a regular basis but a wider range of their products is available for order. We also have a selection of local cheeses and fresh produce.
Every Saturday morning we have a delivery of fresh bread and pastries. If you don't want to shop early, but you don't want to miss out then please ask a team member about placing a regular bakery order.
If that isn't enough to tempt you into the shop maybe one of our wonderful services can do the trick. Bring us your laundry and dry cleaning! You don't have to drive into town and struggle to park or pay a collection and delivery charge, in fact we won't even charge you more than you would pay at Burford Laundry's shop in Carterton! You can conveniently drop off your dry cleaning or laundry at our village shop, and Burford Laundry will collect it on a Tuesday morning, and return it the following Tuesday. You can then pick up your cleaning along with some tasty Kelmscott bacon or a pint of milk!
And finally, we are pleased to announce Fishy Fridays! A local fresh fish supplier will be available outside the shop during our 3.00 to 5.00pm opening hours on a Friday afternoon. Why not come down and see what he has to offer. Don't worry if you can't make it on a Friday afternoon, you will be able to phone the shop or pop in and place an order and collect your fish on Saturday morning.
Opening hours
Monday 3.00 to 5.00pm
Tuesday 10.00am to 12noon and 3.00 to 5.00pm
Wednesday Closed
Thursday 10.00am to 12.00noon and 3.00 to 5.00pm
Friday 3.00 to 5.00pm
Saturday 9.00am to 12noon and 3.00 to 5.00pm
Sunday 3.00 to 5.00pm
Volunteers wanted
As you can see we have a much more varied and interesting product range in the shop and this makes working in the shop really interesting. Volunteering is a great opportunity to meet other villagers. We provide a full training programme for all new team members and a buddy system until you are confident enough to do a shift on your own.
If you have a couple of hours or so a week spare and you would like to join our enthusiastic team, please contact Sally Peach on 860 998 for more details. Shares are still available Buying a £10 share is an easy way of supporting the project. Please visit the shop and collect a share application form.
Thanks
Our Village Shop has been set up at the request of and for the benefit of the whole community. No one individual benefits from the shop. Any profits that are made will be ploughed back into the shop to build on its success. Please continue to help us make our shop something the whole community can be really proud of?
The great success to date of this project would not have been possible without your overwhelming generosity and support. The committee would like to thank everyone who has supported the project so far. In particular we would like to thank Defra for all their support through their England Rural Development Programme.
Helen Holden
For those unhappy few who do notyet know, Filkins Shop is in Filkins (of course.). Turn down Rouse's Lane (which is off the main village road) past the bowls green. At the end of the lane is the Post Office, the playground, the swimming pool, and... Filkins Shop.
LETTERS
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Letters are welcome on any subject. Just email them, post them or drop them in to Parish Pump. all contact details are on the inside front cover of Parish Pump. Ed The Months and the Seasons
Sir: Mike Clark's piece on the Anglo-Saxon calendar [Parish Pump, December 2005] reminded me of the Gezer Calendar, which is now kept in the Archaeological Museum in Istanbul. It provides a fascinating insight into the Hebrew farming year in Israel, Syria and Palestine in the tenth century:
December/January Two months of planting
February/March Two months of late planting
April One month of hoeing up flax
May One month of barley harvest
June One month of harvest and festivity
July/August Two months of vine dressing
September One month of gathering summer fruit October/November Two months of harvest
Gezer is about twenty miles northwest of Jerusalem, and in part of the world which is generally hot and dry. Some rain and even the occasional snow falls in January and February. So, if the planting season got off to a good start with a nice balance of rain and sunshine, the next thing to worry about was locusts !
James Mullany Lytham St Annes
Amelia Carter
In December's Parish Pump, we asked Who was Amelia Carter?' She funded the various Amelia Carter Institutes, but was she related to the Carters of Carterton? No news about this so far, but here u a sidelight on the Carter family.
Sir: I do not know about Amelia Carter, but William Carter [who founded Carterton] was my grandfather's brother. My grandfather lived in Launton (nr Bicester), and ran the Bull Inn for more than 50 years. He died at the great age of 93 or 94 after raising eight children (4 boys and 4 girls).my fatherer was the seventh child. He married my mother, who was a Londoner, and they lived in Essex for a while. The youngest boy inherited the pub after his father's death, but sold it later to a lady.
Joan Hughes (nee Carter) Burford
Curious goings-on in Alvescot
Sir: Have any other Parish Pump readers experienced the theft of nameplates from their homes? The slate nameplate for my house in Alvescot, Shill House, was taken last November in what appears to be a wholly gratuitous act of vandalism and yet the thief unscrewed it and prised it from the stone gateposts rather than merely smashing it. All information welcomed.
Adam Ashmead-Bartlett Alvescot
WEST OX ARTS
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West Ox Arts Gallery is on the first floor of Bampton Town Hall. The Gallery opening hours are: Tuesday - Saturday: 10.30am - 12.30pm and 2.00pm - 4.00pm & Sunday: 2.00pm - 4.00pm. Tel: 01993 850137 or email: westoxartsgyahoo.co.uk.
Lasting Love 5th to 26`h February
Our inspiring Valentine exhibition is not just a passing fancy, but reflects the enduring nature of our gallery and its atmosphere. Each artist interprets the theme through their own medium and style. Featuring solid wood furniture by Philip Koomen, illuminated ceramics in porcelain by Margaret O'Rorke with a glowing light of love, love letters from Isabelle Spencer, jewellery by Elizabeth Balkwill, hand printed books by Christine Tacq and beautiful, rich flower paintings and pastels by Neil Drury.
HOW COULD THEY BE SO WRONG?
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We have all heard of manufacturers who launch products in a new market to find the product names mean something incredibly rude in the local language.
It happens on the Internet too! These are absolutely genuine, and quite magnificently 'wrong-headed' website addresses.
`Who Represents', a database for agencies to the rich and famous: http://www.whorepresents.com
`Experts Exchange', a knowledge base where programmers can exchange views: http://www.expertsexchange.com
Looking for a pen? Look no further than `Pen Island': http://www.penisland.net
Need a therapist? Try: http://www.therapistfinder.com
An Italian Power company: http://www.powergenitalia.com
Mole Station Native Nursery, based in New South Wales: http://www.molestationnursery.com
LR
MEMORIES OF HOLWELL
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Geoff Jesse'James was born in Pear Tree Cottage, Holwell (opposite St Mary's Church), on 11 `h May 1942. His elder brother, Des, had also been born there seven years earlier, and their parents, Norman and Doris james (now both deceased) lived for all their married lives pre than 60years) at Pear Tree Cottage. Geoff attended Holwell School and then Burford Grammar School At 18, he joined the local police, retiring as superintendent in 1991. Afterwards he worked for the Environment Agency, retiringfinally in 2003. He has three children and three grand- children, and lives with his fiancee, MargareA in Hook Norton.
Here Geoff shares his vivid memories of his childhood in Holwell..
The tall elms on the edge of the pond, where the rooks used to nest, have long gone. So has the happy sound of childrens voices, as they monopolised the village road; either kicking a tennis ball across the green from one set of cart sheds to the other, or else throwing a stone (or some other missile for a cricket ball), towards a battered old tin can (for a set of stumps.)
Since passing traffic was infrequent, such activity, whilst not encouraged, was tolerated by the adults, the most inconvenienced of whom were the farm workers whose tractors and trailers, more often than not had to negotiate obstacles, like a skier on his slalom.
These are my enduring memories of life in Holwell in the late 1940's and early 1950's. It was a time when the word `stress' referred only to the level of tension on the belt driving the threshing machine, and the word `drugs' referred only to the medicine occasionally prescribed by Dr Cheatle from Burford (on those rare occasions when he did not tell his patients that there was absolutely nothing wrong with them.) Life was simple, uncomplicated and well ordered, with everyone knowing exactly where they stood, and getting on without whinging.
The summers always seemed to be hot, sunny and never-ending, and the winters invariably bitterly cold, frosty and snowy, and it was not unusual for the village to be totally cut off from the rest of the world by high drifts that could not be penetrated from either Westwell (familiarly known as `Westell') or Bradwell Grove (familiarly known as `Braddle' Grove).
Although then as now, Holwell had no shop or pub, in many ways it seemed to be largely selfsufficient. Most villagers, including my parents, had their own allotments alongside the track leading to Godfrey's Barn and Downs Farm and, where they grew a lot of fruit and vegetables. They also kept their own chickens, ducks and pigs and in the case of my father, bees also. As well as frequently stinging my brother, Desmond and me, these bees produced large quantities of honey, some of which my father sold to the occasional passing motorist, but most he gave away to the `locals'.
In my early childhood, our milk came direct from Manor Farm, and I have clear recollections of avidly watching the local cowman, Frank Wall, milking Mr Perrin Sturch's dairy herd, by hand, before he then strained the milk and then dished it out into little containers for consumption by villagers, like our family. The milk was always rich and creamy and always still warm because it had only, a few minutes earlier, been extracted from the cow. What's more, the Sturchs also made their own butter in those days and I well remember standing in the dairy, watching Mrs Sturch senior patting the butter with wooden spatulas into rectangular blocks, ready for distribution to the rest of the village. But the village did rely upon twice weekly visits from bakers, John Clark of Filkins and Mr Pike from Alvescot and from butchers, W .J. Castle and Mr Wiggins, both from Burford. Additionally, Fosters Hardware Shop from Studley sent its mobile shop, whilst Tom Swinford from Filkins, the local council roadman, came to Holwell periodically on his bicycle, complete with shovel and broom, to keep the place looking tidy and ensure that the ditches were kept clear.
This was also a time when there was no mains' water supply or drainage. As a consequence, all villagers collected their water by bucket from the pump (near the existing notice board) or from a tap connected to a well at the pump house on the western side of the pond, adjacent to the field known as Church Ground. That was fine, if a bit tiresome, until the water froze and villagers then had to use theirf ingenuity to thaw out the system. I remember too that shepherd Tom Peachey had a stone well in his garden, just a few feet from his front door.
Tom's garden was immediately alongside the Vicarage garden in which, of course, there was (and still is, I presume) a further well from which the village derived its name, i.e. `Holy Well'. When water was needed from that well, a bucket on the end of a chain was wound down. The water from this well was as clear as a bell, icy cold and pureness personified.
In the absence of mains' drainage, residents relied upon outside privies, which were cold, uninviting places, equipped usually with pieces of newspaper, instead of toilet rolls, and a mandatory bucket. No wonder all our gardens were so fertile and it was not surprising that most of us had a `jerry' under the bed to avoid going to the bottom of the garden in the dead of night.
Water had to be heated in a copper over a brick oven. The heated water was used for washing up and, of course, for baths which were rarely more than weekly because of the inconvenience of it all. On bath nights, usually Fridays, the tin bath was pulled out in front of the kitchen fire-range and filled with water. The whole family took their turn, usually in a descending order of seniority, with the water getting progressively colder and more murky as time went on. You can just imagine what this was like when it came to my turn to use it, as the youngest member of our family of four.
My recollection is that mains' water and electricity were installed at Holwell pretty much at the same time, which would have been in the early 1950's. When this happened, we all thought we were on `cloud nine'; the luxury of going to the toilet indoors, having a proper bath with your own water and being able to see what you were doing under electric light (rather than relying upon the glow of an oil lamp) was simply amazing to us! My mother had to get used to using an electric cooker and the old wireless set, with its heavy accumulators which had to be re-charged on a weekly basis, quickly became a thing of the past.
Then, in 1952, we became the first proud possessors in Holwell of a television set, a Murphy with a 15" screen. A year later, I remember my father installed it in the school canteen so the whole village could watch the Queen's coronation. This was a most joyous occasion when Holwell and Bradwell Grove celebrated together. A flagpole with the Union Flag was erected on the village green, all the houses were decorated, events were held for children and adults and there was much food and drink consumed by all in Perrin's barn.
Finally, the day was rounded off with a giant bonfire and fireworks in the field behind our house. I remember the Vicar's wife, Mrs Elizabeth Gick, recording in the Parish Council minutes that the whole proceedings ended in ,a blaze of glory' which very aptly summed up what had happened.
In those days also, there were probably no more than six cars in the village, of which my father had one. They were all second hand and, at that time could be purchased for a few hundred pounds each. The Sturchs were the only people in the village (and maybe the vicar) who had the luxury of a telephone and so most distant communication was carried out in pen and ink. Prior to the arrival of TV, which had only one BBC channel that ran from 8.00 to 11.30pm at first, most people in Holwell created their own amusement when they weren't either working (usually on the land) or digging their gardens, or else.sawing logs for the fire. For much of the time, they listened to `steam radio', with programmes like `Dick Barton Special Agent' or 'Curtin Up', but there were occasional visits to the cinema at Cirencester (courtesy of a coach provided by Mr Howes of Aldsworth which ran once per week on a Saturday evening.)
Mr Howes also provided the coaches that we used for choir outings to the seaside; on these occasions, I recall that there were usually three coaches laid on; one each for the residents of Holwell, Westwell and Bradwell Grove. Apart from the joy of seeing the sea (usually at Weston Super Mare but only if the tide was not out), we children always enjoyed the coaches stopping for comfort breaks at places, like Chipping Sodbury, where we then queued for fish and chips.
Sport was always high on the agenda with most villagers but, whilst I well remember my father waxing lyrical about the excellence of the Cricket Team at Bradwell Grove on its superb pitch on part of what is now the Cotswold Wildlife Park and on which the late Colonel Savage (grandfather of Mr John Heyworth) `patrolled' with great dignity, I have little recollection of it myself, as I was only a toddler at the time.
Instead, I better remember the football team which Nathaniel Lobb, the local woodman who lived in the cottage near the Vicarage which now bears his name, founded in the late 1940's. It wasn't the greatest team in the world and lost most of its matches, but I thought it was wonderful. It wore colours not unlike those of Arsenal but that was as close as the similarity got. `Olla', as we kids affectionately knew our team, did not last for many seasons before it ran out of players, but I have one abiding my memory which concerned my brother, Des.
He occasionally played although he was barely in his teens but, on this occasion, he was spectating when we were playing at home in the field just up from the `The Glissards'. Des decided to take up position against the `enemy's' goal post. By this time `Olla' were already being soundly thrashed and Des decided that they needed a bit of `help' so, when Ernie Simpson shot towards goal, and Des saw the shot was going wide, he accidentally put his wellington boot in the way and helped the ball into the net.
Despite vociferous protests from members of the opposing team and a quizzing from the match referee, Des denied all knowledge of any involvement and the goal stood. Sorry, Des, I couldn't help but mention it but, don't worry, it's too late for the Oxfordshire Football Association to do anything about it now (I think).
Weekly whist drives were also popular and I recall often being the youngest player and frequently being chastised by the other more adult and skilful players for incorrectly trumping when I should have followed suit and the like. The Rev H E (`Bertie') Gick used to officiate at these sessions, calling trumps and toasting his backside on the open fire, to the annoyance of the majority of the players who sat and shivered for most of the evening.
St Mary's Church (le ft) was very much the focus of the community for both Holwell and Bradwell Grove and both of my parents were very Godfearing people, with my father not only the organist but also a member of the choir, church warden, caretaker, grave digger and Parish Clerk, and my mother the church cleaner. Not surprisingly both Des and I also attended church regularly and sang in the choir.
We weren't the best of choristers by any stretch of the imagination and, despite being in the House of God, we were never frightened of being somewhat mischievous, particularly if we became bored with the proceedings. My good friend, Geoff Tallett, son of Mr E H O `Harry' Tallett, the Estate
Officer for Mr Heyworth, sang in the choir with Des and me. I recall him saying that he invariably felt physically sick half way through singing the seemingly never ending canticle, called the Te Deum!
We lads also used to play tricks on dear old Edie Coombs, who sat behind a curtain blowing the organ (later it was powered by electricity.) It was well known that Edie was hard of hearing and sometimes, particularly if she dozed off, she relied upon us to shake the curtain to give her the signal to inflate the organ. So, on those occasions, usually quite often, when we became bored with the length of the sermon, we would shake the curtain, as a result of which Edie would spring to life, with the whole congregation hearing her furious pumping, thereby leading to the vicar bringing his sermon to an abrupt conclusion.
On another occasion, I distinctly remember being led from the choir and out of church in disgrace by my angry father when I developed an uncontrollable fit of the giggles after hearing Derek Rideout break wind.
Finally, there were the characters of the village and of Bradwell Grove. There were so many of them and, I could probably tell you of an amusing story about them all. First and foremost, I must mention Mr John Heyworth and his wife, Susan owners of the Bradwell Grove Estate.
My parents held them in very high regard (as they had his grandfather, the late Colonel Savage), and we children treated Mr Heyworth as a kind of hero, not least because of his exploits as a very fine horseman. He frequently rode at Point to Point races with great success and I have vivid memories of him doing so at the Heythrop Hunt meetings at Upton Downs Farm, between Westwell and Burford, when riding his beloved horse `Silver Dollar'.
Perrin and Queenie Sturch of Manor Farm were lifelong friends of our family and I have fond memories of Perrin allowing me to drive his International tractor in the fields and to stack bales on the sledge behind the bailer at harvest times. Perrin was an excellent farmer and a true countryman. Two of his employees whom I will never forget and with whom I spent many happy hours in my early years were Frank Wall and Chris Rowland.
Frank was a lovely man with such an even temperament and he adored children; it was a pity that he married so late in life and had none of his own. I learnt so much from him about life in general and I admired his ability not only to milk cows but also to lay hedges with such craft and precision.
Chris was much younger and came to the village from Gloucestershire and, like Frank, was a loyal worker for Perrin for many years. In particular, I remember sharing lunch breaks with them both in the cart sheds, when each would tuck into half a loaf of bread with a big hunk of cheese which they would carve up with the same penknives they used about the farm. It was in these same cart sheds (the ones closer to Manor Farm) that, in 1953, a certain `GN James' carved his name for all to see.
Edie Coombs, to whom I have already referred, lived well into her 90's, and was a great character. She was like an `Aunty' to Des and me and she was a most talented, amazing lady. She never married, and lived alone in what is now known as `Edie's Cottage' by the track leading to Holwell Downs. She loved cats, dug her own allotment, enjoyed occasional trips to the cinema and always had a lovely sense of humour. She was an extremely practical lady, able to do.the physical work 'of most men, whilst also capable of doing the most exquisite embroidery. They don't make `em like that anymore.
And then, but by no means least, there were my two lovely parents: Norman `Norrie' and Doris James. They remain `on guard' in their graves, near the porch of St Mary's. Suffice it to say that both Des and I remain proud to be their sons, and there is so much that I could say about them. In a fairly recently published book, my father is quite properly referred to as `A Yeoman of the Cotswolds'. It is a pretty fair description and one of which he would have been justly proud. My mother, for her part, was an extremely modest and unassuming lady, content for most of the time to be my father's loyal support and mentor and for that, also, she can be justly proud. Until they both died within the past 11 years or so, they were the rock on which Holwell survived. It is true to say that they absolutely adored the village and had no wish whatsoever to go anywhere else. Who is to say that they were wrong?
In conclusion, I merely wish to say that I truly hope that what I've written goes some way towards giving you a flavour of what Holwell was like in my childhood. Of course, it's biased in some areas but I trust that you will forgive me for that. For those of you who are privileged to live there now, I simply say, `Enjoy it; it's a lovely place with a marvellous history.' Geoff Jesse'James
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