utlook n MARCH xney 2021

60p donation. Free to Isle of Oxney residents Outlook On Oxney , Stone & Ebony Community Magazine

Spring at last! Contents

Note from the Editor 02 Mothers Day 11 An Open Invitation 03 Council Report 12 Story of the Month 04 Planning 13 14 School Report 05 The Swan 15 Homework & Recipe 06 Letter from the Rectory Letter from the Vicarage 16 History 07 What’s happening 17 More History 09 Quiz Answers 18 WI 10 In the garden with Lex 19

www.outlookonoxney.co.uk 02 Dear Readers, Firstly, congratulations to Outlook’s lovely editor Sam who gave birth to Sophie Dora Collins (pictured left), 8.9lbs, at the unsociable hour of 04.21 on Friday 29th January – ten days past her deadline. Mother and baby, together with proud dad Ian and big brother Ollie, are all doing well but we thought it only fair to give them a little time to relax before getting back to the onerous task of editing Outlook so I’m afraid it’s the ‘B’ team again this month. As we turn our backs on a bleak and snowy February it’s a joy to see Spring, oblivious of the pandemic, pushing its way valiantly through the chill and mud to cheer us. A particularly lovely garden at this time of year is that of Wittersham House (Front Cover), which, as you’ll see on page 3, will be open for all to enjoy (subject to Covid restrictions), Editor on April 6th as the first of this year’s Wittersham Open Garden Sam Collins Scheme. outlookonoxney@ For many of us, the pandemic has meant much more time to enjoy yahoo.co.uk being in the countryside and our homes, and many of the houses on 07737 990380 the Isle of Oxney are very special. We’re grateful to Nicholas Hurst for sharing some of the history of his home, The Lea House, on page 9 Proofreader Jo Thom whilst the local History Society would like to know more about some of the other gems in the area (page 7). Living in an Area of Outstanding Advertising Natural Beauty, as we do, is a privilege and it is up to each of us to let Chris Lee know our thoughts on plans for two major advertising@ housing developments in Wittersham, totalling 53 new homes,

Outlook On Oxney outlookonoxney.co.uk discussed on Page 13. The past twelve months have been surreal, difficult and, for some, Treasurer tragic. Yet read Claire Frost’s uplifting report from the school on page Peter Burnett 5, look at little Sophie Collins’ smile and feel the afternoons grow treasurer@ longer, the sun warmer and it will be easier to see the future in a outlookonoxney.co.uk brighter light. Stone Rep Sam will be back in the editor’s chair next month and we’re Sue Lowrie enormously grateful to everyone who has contributed words and

– 01233 758560 pictures to ‘our’ editions as, without the clubs and activities that usually March go on in our villages, the pages of Outlook would otherwise be blank. Wittersham Rep Thanks, too, to Jo for ironing out our typos, to Abbots the printers for Alison Phillips so efficiently sorting out our techy problems and, particularly, to our

2021 01797 270423 delivery team who get Outlook to you come rain, snow or sunshine. So it’s goodbye from me Ebony Rep And it’s goodbye from him Liz Orpin Chris & Peter 01797 270303 Opening Time 03

The Glory of Spring

Wittersham’s Open Gardens Scheme will get off to a flying start (Covid regulations permitting) on Tuesday, 6th April when Mary Mallet’s beautiful garden at Wittersham House, The Street, will be the first one to open in the 2021 calendar.

For those who do not know it, the garden at Wittersham House features a magnificent flowering cherry tree and an abundance of spring bulbs, so it is the perfect opening fanfare to this year’s programme.

All the gardens in the programme will be open between 11.00 a.m. and noon and entry is £3.00 per person. Tea, coffee and cakes, together with a raffle, will be available and all funds raised will go to St John the Baptist Church, Wittersham.

We are thinking positively and hoping that this year’s programme, which is almost full, will be able to go ahead and that as many people as possible will participate either by opening their own garden or visiting others.

If you would like to welcome people into your garden as part of the programme or provide a small raffle prize, please contact either Julia 01797 270842 or Jane 01797 270075.

A full list of the 2021 Open Garden Scheme will be published in the April issue of Outlook. 04 Story of the Month Only One Pebble

‘You can send a message,’ the lady on the helpline said. ‘Or a stone.’ ‘A stone?’ I asked. What good was that to a man who might be dying? ‘Yes, a stone. A pebble.’ She explained. ‘We decorate one side and write your message on the other side.’ She waited for me to respond but I was too busy, wondering why a stone held appeal. ‘He can hold it.’ ‘Instead of holding my hand?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘It’s not the same, is it?’ ‘No, but on the Covid ward….’ Her voice faded away. She’d probably explained this to a hundred, a thousand, desolate relatives in the past year. ‘Patients have told us they like them; the stones are a sort of physical connection.’ I watched the rain trickle down the window outside; imagined his hand, the hand that had held mine through childbirth, holding the cold stone, giving it his warmth. ‘I’ll think about it,’ I said. ‘Thank you.’ On the beach with the dog, the pebbles crunched beneath my feet and one, large and smooth, caught my eye, an owl’s face appearing in the flecked granite. I picked it up, salt rain on my cheeks, and felt its coldness warm in my hand. At home, I dried it, dismissed the need for decoration and sat as darkness fell composing the message, maybe my last, the stone would carry. So many words I thought of, yet soon I knew so few were needed. I smoothed the owl’s face with my hand, turned over the stone and wrote the truth. Breaking curfew with break of day, I drove to where ambulances queued and faces white with worry stood patiently, waiting to pass to volunteers’ belongings and messages to loved ones. I held the stone tight in my hand ‘til its very heart was warm and I gave it to a masked woman with kind eyes: ‘Hurry, please,’ I urged, explaining, and watched as she limped quickly away towards the darkness of the Covid ward, my hands growing colder with every step. As Christmas passed and New Year came, I willed that stone to warm my love, to comfort him as he fought for breath, to bind him to the here, the now. On the day the first snowdrop showed its brave white face, my stone came home. He held out the pebble in his pale, frail hand: ‘Was I really?’ He asked, his smile as warm as the summer that would come. I didn’t need to read the words I’d written a thousand years before but spoke them as I held him in my arms. ‘And I thought it was just a stone,’ he laughed, hugging me tight.

Written in Stone Wittersham CEP School 05

This was certainly was not the return after Christmas we had expected or hoped for! The announcement that not all children could come into school from the 4th January saddened everyone but, in true Wittersham style, the staff, pupils and parents rose the challenge and have moved forward with a blend of remote learning and teaching in class.

Each day the teachers share planning, recorded videos, links and work for the children at home whilst also working with our Teaching Assistants in school to ensure there is quality provision for the 30% of pupils still physically attending in class. We have an on-line platform which allows teachers to share the learning they set and for the children to upload their completed work meaning the teacher can provide feedback and keep them motivated! Children and parents can also message the teacher, throughout the day, to ask questions or get help so that the very important communication with our families is not compromised. We endeavour to provide a good blend of activities to underpin the new concepts being taught but so that our children are hopefully not stuck in front of screens all day. Whole class zoom calls also allows for weekly fun get-togethers where staff and children celebrate what is going well and play virtual games like 20 Questions or Silly Sentences!

The well-being of our families is at the forefront of our minds and never more so than under the circumstances we find ourselves in. We are very conscious that this can be hard on parents who are trying to balance learning at home with their other responsibilities. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our parenting community who have worked in such successful partnership with the school. Their support, kindness and understanding has demonstrated that the concern for well-being runs both ways and the sense of care and compassion for one another runs solidly through our school community. This term, we had new smart interactive touch screens fitted in every classroom and in the school hall. These replace the older screens and projectors and we cannot wait to show the children what they can be used for when they return!

The recent snow was great fun for play and teachers were able to set snow- based activities to make sure everyone could go outside and make the most of it. There were some highly creative snowman photographs shared on-line and it was lovely to see sledging and traditional snowball fights going on as well as snowflake science activities and ice art! With the help of Reverend Judy (who has been recording services for us to share in school) we have been able to continue celebrating the key dates of the Church calendar together. This term we celebrated Christingle with children at home and in school making Christingles and sharing them live together. I remain immensely proud of my staff in all of their roles. Their indomitable positivity and the love they show towards their colleagues and the children continues to underpin the school’s success, both before, and during this pandemic.

Above all, I commend our pupils who have shown huge resilience and adaptability throughout this difficult year. They make me and my team enormously proud and we cannot wait to have every child back in school with us. What this last year has shown us is that Wittersham Primary school is far more than just its building. Our vision and values extend beyond the walls and out into our community. Children are the shafts of light shining through difficulties. In a challenging time, they help us to turn to the blessings in our lives and shift our perspective to the good. It is a privilege to lead this school.

I hope all of you and your families keep safe and well.

Claire Frost Headteacher

Libby (age 10) Sen (age 11)

[email protected] 07737 990380 06 Homework

Setting Description As part of their learning at Wittersham Primary School, children are taught how to build up effective descriptions and atmosphere of a place. Here, Zak describes a scene using such vivid imagery that the reader can feel the exhilaration he experienced one day in the mountains. If I Were King.

A rocky beach on the foot of a towering mountain, mini-waterfalls If I were King of pirate lands, splashing down from the top, passing the beautiful pink flowers. Green I’d make a ship and set my plans. grass growing next to a gravel path snaking up from the loch. Little pools of crystal-clear water. As you get higher up the mountain, jumping from If I were King of the gods, one small rock tower to another, you see a small stream on smooth rocks I’d fly a flying-pod. lower down the mountain. Up high in the valley between two mountains a mini-lake sits, smooth rocks in front of it, overlooking the loch. The water If I were King of Brazil, in it is glimmering in the shining sunlight. As you descend the mountain, I’d write a letter with a quill. jumping from small ledge to small ledge, you can see in the distance miniscule islands standing alone but proud. You hear the echo of bird’s If I were King of Peru, calls from high up in small caves overlooking the beach, and the water I’d make everyone wear silly shoes. lower down. As you near the end of the descent, you smell an earthy smell as the rocks turn to grass and earth, and as the grass turns to sand If I were King of the Philippines, you can feel the burn of the hot sand on the soles of your feet, and as the I’d make farms produce butter beans. sand turns to fresh loch water to your relief, you can feel your feet cool down. As you row your boat back to where you came from, you can feel If were King of Bolivia, pride, knowing that you climbed a mountain and climbed back down I’d name my dog Olivia! again. And as you hold the handles of the oars, that feeling becomes stronger than ever. Joe E (age 10) Zak (age 10)

And now, some homework for the rest of us – let’s bake!

Pink Grapefruit Drizzle Cake

Pink grapefruit are in the shops now and this is a pretty alternative to good old lemon drizzle cake.

Ingredients 225g caster sugar 225g unsalted butter 225 self-raising flour 4 eggs 1 pink grapefruit 85g caster sugar for the topping

Method: Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Line a loaf tin (8 x 21cm) with greaseproof paper. Beat the butter and 225g of the caster sugar until pale and creamy, then add the eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly. Sift in the self-raising flour. Grate the zest of the grapefruit and add half to the mix, stirring in well until combined. Spoon the mixture into the loaf tin and level the top with a spoon. Bake for 45-50 mins until a thin skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. While the cake is cooling in its tin, juice the grapefruit and mix the juice with 85g sugar to make the drizzle. While the cake is still slightly warm, prick all over with a skewer then pour over the drizzle and sprinkle the remaining zest over the top – the juice will sink in and the sugar will form a lovely, crisp topping. Leave in the tin until completely cool, then remove, serve and eat (although given a chance it will last 2-3 days in a tin.) OXNEY HISTORY 07

THE HISTORY OF YOUR HOUSE

The Oxney Local History Group recently had an enquiry from a Jim Steadman who lives out in British Columbia, Canada who was looking into his family’s Wittersham connections. Apparently his ancestors farmed at Blackbrook, Acton and Palstre Court Farms in the early 1800s and he was interested to know if any of the farms still existed and information on their history.

Well, of course, the three farms do still exist and we were able to give Jim some information both on his ancestors and the farms, but it did raise an interesting question as to how much we really know about the history of the various buildings we have on the Isle of Oxney.

If you look on the K.C.C. website you can see that they have recorded over fifty listed buildings for Stone and Ebony and over sixty for Wittersham. In addition, there are also other locations recorded such as cropmarks and coin finds.

However, we realised that for most of these listed buildings our Oxney Local History Group have nothing recorded on their history and it’s something we’d like rectify. So we’d be interested to hear from anyone who owns or lives in one of these listed buildings or, of course, anyone who has an interesting story about them. Finding out the date a building was built and any names of previous owners would add immensely to our history knowledge of our area.

Any information can be given to either Peter Leach, Sue Lowrie, Kathy Head or myself (Dave Fletcher) or you can contact me on 01797 270701.

Any help you can give would be gratefully received and recorded for future generations.

Dave Fletcher. Oxney Local History Group

R. M. Bates Funeral Directors

Your local independent funeral directors since 1980. We offer the full suite of funeral arrangements to suit your needs. Call us 24 hours a day

Appledore 01233 758325

Scotland & Bates Appledore TN26 2AJ 08

Wittersham Village Store

The shop remains well stocked with new lines added regularly.

Please ask for anything else you would like to see in stock.

Deliveries available for shielding customers: Tel. 01797 270 971

PLEASE REMEMBER :

YOU MUST WEAR A MASK WHILE IN THE SHOP AND KEEP YOUR DISTANCE

Open: 7.00 am - 7.30 pm 7 days a week More House History 09 The Lea House

Going through some old papers relating to our house, The Lea on the Peasmarsh Road, I came across a booklet entitled 'A walk around the village' which is extremely informative and interesting about the history of Wittersham. It mentions that in 1908 Edith Lyttleton, the owner of Wittersham House, commissioned the young Edwin Lutyens to remodel their house. Lutyens was also employed as architect to build Great Maytham on the road to Rolvenden. It also mentions that by Wittersham church St Luke’s Hall was owned by Miss Laurence Alma-Tadema, daughter of the Victorian portrait painter and assistant to Paderewski, the concert pianist and first President of Poland after the First World War. Laurence lived in Wittersham until she died in 1938 and was a great friend to the village.

When my wife and I purchased The Lea in 1995, we noted that the plaque dated 1909 outside the living room window stated that the architect to the house was Miss Laurence Alma-Tadema and the house was built for Miss Helen Lohmann, a well-known American photographer. We did not investigate the history of the house further until several years later when a friend stated that our house had several Lutyens hallmarks: tall chimneys and bottles in the apex of the roof. We knew that the house was not listed so we thought no more about it until I was going through some papers left by Lawrence Irving, the son of Sir Henry Irving the famous Victorian Actor and partner of Ellen Terry who lived in Smallhythe. Lawrence Irving lived in The Lea from 1950 to 1990. He knew Sir Henry Bolton who worked for Lutyens in the period before the First World War and over lunch Henry Bolton told Lawrence Irving that he did all the architectural drawings for the building of The Lea and supervised the construction as a favour to Laurence Alma-Tadema.

Sadly, I don’t have the original plans but I believe the house was built in two halves...one half was a ground floor dark room with no connection to the rest of the house, and the other half with a first floor artist’s studio with a large north facing window and a west facing window, and living room with domestic offices were on the ground floor with a separate entrance. There were steps from the back of the house up to the studio. Over the years the house has been altered significantly and modernised by people that have lived here but has never lost its Lutyens features.

Wittersham is full of history and many interesting people have lived on the Isle of Oxney.

Nicholas Hurst

Photo: Alison Phillips

[email protected] 07737 990380 Wittersham WI 10 World Women’s Day and the Women’s Institute Whenever asked who the Women’s Institute are, and what they do, most people will say Jam and Jerusalem, or they make a good cup of tea and cake. Many members today have never made a pot of jam, and cannot make a cake, so this is a misconception of the organisation.

Formed in 1915, the Women's Institute was originally brought to life to revitalise rural communities and encourage women to become more involved in producing food during the First World War. Our own WI was formed in 1928, making us 93 years old this year. The WI is now the largest non-political voluntary women's organisation in the UK with a membership of over 200,000. We in our own WI have just 20 members but still have our say on all matters that arise. Over the years we have been involved in many Government schemes and still today members sit on government committees and lobby parliament on women’s and community issues.

Every year we hold resolutions and the first, in 1918, was to urge local authorities to take advantage of the government scheme for state aided housing. During World War II, the WI played a vital role in growing and preserving food and looking after evacuees. To highlight just one achievement: in 1940, the NFWI managed to obtain £1,400 worth of sugar that was distributed to Fruit Preservation Centres and prevented more than 1,600 tons of produce from rotting. It is also during the 1940s that a WI resolution demands equal pay for men and women.

In 1954, after passing a resolution to start a national anti-litter campaign, the WI and 25 other UK organisations formed the Keep Britain Tidy group.

Looking back at the past 50 years, the WI had more than enough reason for a great celebration of its Golden Jubilee in 1965. As President of a WI herself, Queen Elizabeth II invited her fellow members to a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. During this memorable decade, WIs also greatly support the Freedom from Hunger Campaign in raising awareness of the problem of worldwide hunger and nutrition. Together, the existing 8,500 WIs managed to raise over £180,000 for FFHC.

In the 1970s, still mainly supporting rural life, the WI also challenged issues of a more political nature, such as requesting a policy for recycling of waste, raising concerns about increased marine pollution and urging that more rented accommodation should be made available to alleviate homelessness.

After voting for more information to be made available to the public around HIV and AIDS at the Annual General Meeting in 1986, WI members campaigned to raise awareness on the immune deficiency virus.

In 1993, the NFWI became a founding member of the Fair Trade Foundation and, throughout the decade, continued to establish partnerships with other organisations, such as Carers UK, to further develop and strengthen its campaigning efforts.

In the 2000s The "Care not Custody" campaign demanded alternatives for prisoners with severe mental health problems and resolutions urging reduced packaging to minimise waste and to further research the plight of bees were put forward.

The first WI inside a women’s prison was formed in 2012. Since then, other prisons in the UK have followed the example, hoping to improve their inmates’ mental health. During this decade, key campaigns focused on environmental and social issues such as domestic violence against women, mental health, climate change and microplastic pollution.

Amid the Coronavirus pandemic, the NFWI offices temporarily closed and WI members once again showed their resilience and collective strength by keeping their communities connected and supporting those in need. From sewing for the NHS, supporting food banks, and delivering prescriptions, the WI Community Champions go above and beyond to help others.

So, with World Women’s day on March 8th I hope you will see that the Women’s Institute has had a large say in campaigns and helped change lives of so many people, without a pot of jam made, but maybe over a cup of tea and a piece of cake.

Jean Elliott Mothers Day 11 Mothers Quiz

1. Which of Henry VIII’s wives was mother to Elizabeth 1st? MOTHERS MEAN WELL BUT THEY 2. Which royal mother and daughter have both OFTEN GET IT WRONG represented Great Britain in the Olympics? 3. What was the late Queen Mother’s maiden name? Why are you wearing blue socks? 4. Who is mother to Psalm, Saint, Chicago and North? Couldn’t find my black ones. (Yes, they really are children’s names!) They're in the drawer – I put a clean pair in yesterday. 5. What name is shared by Spock’s mother (Star Trek) Didn’t look. and an 80s’ pop band? Why didn’t you look? 6. Which is the common name for the plant Sansevieria Because I knew they wouldn’t be there. Trifasciata? Blue isn’t uniform. 7. According to the saying, what is the ‘mother of Whatever. invention’? 8. Which 1930’s radio star had the catchphrase, ‘Can you (Mum puts out stuff for the birds): hear me, Mother?’ Look! There’s a blue-tit! 9. Who was the famous mother of Liza Minnelli? I know 10. In Cinderella, what did the Fairy Godmother make the You aren’t even looking footmen out of? Don’t need to 11. What is the highest number of children born to one Anyway, it’s gone now – you missed it mother: 25, 43 or 69? Whatever! 12. Which fictional character’s mother is Monique Delacroix? Mum, why are you wearing that? 13. Who sang the song, ‘Mama, Weer All Crazee Now? Wearing what? 14. What Knaresborough landmark is the oldest visitor It's gross – looks M&S like. attraction in , open since 1630? It's not gross. It is M&S, and why do you say “like” 15. The editor of which local magazine has recently every other word? become a mother again? I don't. No one will employ you. Whatever.

Have you got your lunch-box? Is it cheese again? Yes; You know I’m bored of cheese Don't say “Bored OF cheese, say bored BY or WITH cheese. Couldn’t it be something more interesting? Cheese is interesting Mum, cheese is definitely not interesting Refugees would be glad of cheese You just said “OF cheese!” That's different. Mum, cheese in my sandwiches won’t solve the refugee crisis. Well, I just want you to appreciate the good things in life. Goodbye Mum - Love you! Love you too! Whatever!

Jill Metcalfe 12 Council Report

Notes from Wittersham Parish Council, February 2021

A 2-hour Public Meeting on 11th February took place for residents to discuss proposals for two significant housing schemes: up to 23 houses north of Poplar farmhouse/east of Lloyds Green, and 30 properties north of Stocks Road/west of Pear Tree Cottage/Mount Pleasant. [See map on page 13] Parish councillors all attended to hear the views of many residents on the two schemes. Residents were concerned by the proposed new access under consideration for the first plan along a widened lane from Poplar Road, the ability of emergency, refuse, and other large vehicles to make the turn from the B2082, road safety aspects, and the impact on the Grade II Listed farmhouse. Residents also questioned the impact of 30 properties at Stocks Road on the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the market housing that would be built to finance the 12 affordable properties (rented and part-ownership), and inter alia questions on drainage, speeding along the B2082, and loss of agricultural land. The formal 3-hour Parish Council meeting took place on 16th February to decide these matters and other planning applications. All the applicants attended and answered questions in the public session, alongside many residents’ comments and concerns. Councillors responded in detail with their views on the various points raised by the public at the meetings and in writing, before taking their decisions. The council decided unanimously to oppose the ‘Poplar farmhouse’ proposals; it decided unanimously, with one abstention, to support the Stocks Road proposals; it supported by a majority (4:2) a proposal for two new houses neighbouring Archers Post; and it supported replacement of a cold store in Acton Lane with a holiday let built to a similar size and shape. Decisions on the four applications will now be taken by Ashford Borough Council.

Jeremy Smith, Chairman Wittersham PC Planning Application

Plan of the confines of Wittersham Village showing the two proposed development 13

sites hatched black.

Poplar Farm House: Planning application for access road to 23 new dwellings: Planning reference 20/01782/AS Tyle House Farm/Mount Pleasant Stocks Road: Planning application for 28 new dwellings & 2 self-build plots: Planning reference 21/00115/AS

Please Note: Although the Parish council has made its decision on these major housing developments it is Ashford Borough Council who will make the final decision. Residents are encouraged to make their comments on the proposals at planning.ashford.gov.uk ‘Save the Swan’ Campaign 14 Mid-Covid Update

‘Update’ is sadly not really the right term. I cannot claim any significant progress since my previous report, so this becomes simply a reflection on past efforts and what might or might not happen in the future, with all the uncertainties that currently exist. I should start with the unwelcome statistic that our committee came into existence as a result of a Parish Council meeting on 19th April 2019, not far off two years ago. We then made considerable and rapid progress towards agreeing a price for the purchase of the Swan, did some minor fundraising, set up a website and completed the formalities required for the launch of a general appeal, intended for the spring of 2020. In March 2020, however, everything changed. Covid arrived, our meetings could no longer be face-to- face and the prospect of buying a pub receded to the back of everyone’s thoughts, with the health of family and friends the immediate priority. Despite the arrival of vaccination the situation has not yet changed markedly, and we continue to watch the physical state of the Swan deteriorate as each day passes. It’s easy to be over-affected by negative thoughts in mid-winter, with the country still in lockdown and no clear path ahead. However, any prospective pub purchase (this one in particular) throws up more dilemmas than other more straightforward transactions. 1. The current ownership is within an Isle of Man company, a faceless corporate vehicle that makes negotiations less transparent and straightforward than one might like. 2. Although we had an agreed price to purchase, it latterly became clear that solicitors (theirs) would not start work on the conveyance until we were able to show ‘proof of funding’, a problem for an offer secured on a public appeal that has no guarantee of success. 3. How do we assess the value of the Swan post Covid? Will the fabric require a revised survey? Will the punters return in historic numbers and if so, when? This information, or at least a best guess at it, is vital to the accuracy of the Business Plan that will support any appeal. 4. We were basing our figures around informed advice from consultants, an ex-landlord of the Swan and current publican, and a couple with suitable experience who live locally and seemed to us to be ideal prospective tenants. Will they still be interested and available? 5. Will a third party, friendly or unfriendly, step in and buy the pub anyway? There is no doubt that the owners will have no qualms about selling over our heads if offered the right price. 6. Will the community be able/willing to come up with the necessary funds?

Despite all the above reservations, there is no doubt that we all miss hugely the opportunity to socialise that pubs have traditionally offered, and that life will in due course return to normal. We are determined to have the appropriate infrastructure in place to continue with our efforts to secure the purchase of the Swan, at a fair price and one that enables us to offer the right tenants a good opportunity to prosper and serve the community at the same time. The pub is registered as ‘an Asset of Community Value’, so we will at least have the opportunity to match any competing offers made.

As always, we welcome any feedback/comments that any of you may have, especially any offers of help for the time when our committee swings back into action, as it undoubtedly will.

John Newton Chairman ‘Save the Swan’ Committee [email protected] Letter from the Rectory 15

A letter from Wittersham Rectory

Dear Friends I hope you are all keeping well and safe. We are advised that we will return to ‘normal’ sometime this year. It poses the question “What is normal?” Certainly, for the Church there will be many changes. The press has been full of many articles hinting at what may be coming to alleviate the difficult financial situation in which the Church of England finds itself. In Wittersham and Ebony we have explored different ways of doing church with recorded services on the church website and special ones for our church school. Fortunately, we have been able to keep the church at Wittersham open for private prayer on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 – 12 and 2 – 4 and Saturdays 10 – 12. How special it has been to have a contemplation space available, stewards on hand, candles to light, marmalade to buy and our lovely new library which offers books and jigsaws to borrow that may help to while away the hours of lockdown. We know from the press that the National Church will be changed and refigured, and we await to hear more. One of the real joys is that, whatever else, the festivals of the Christian Church will continue to celebrate with its festivals the most wonderful gift of God in sending his Son Jesus for our redemption. As in this month of March we journey towards Easter we are in the season of Lent. In a year when we may feel that we have given up so much of what we consider to be normal life, the thought of giving up something else for Lent may feel a step too far. This year we can instead focus on what we can do to help others rather than giving up some of the more traditional luxuries. In this latest lockdown many people are struggling for basic everyday needs, facing financial challenges, having relationship problems, or dealing with their own and others’ mental health problems. These are all very real, daily challenges. At this time of Lent, let us focus on the simple things that we could do to support those around us. A very simple act of kindness such as smiling at the stranger you pass on your daily walk can be a ray of sunshine to someone in need. We cannot call round to see our neighbours for a coffee, but we can still call, text or Zoom. “How are you?” is always a good place to start. Perhaps when you go to the supermarket you could put a tin in the food bank basket or pick up a treat to leave on a friend or neighbour’s doorstep. If you have any needs that we can help with or just want a chat please let us know. May God bless you in all you do. With my love and prayers through this Lenten time, Judy

www.outlookonoxney.co.uk 16 Letter from the Vicarage It’s good that the light at the end of the tunnel is beginning to look a lot brighter. Many of us have now had our first or even second vaccination and Covid 19 numbers are drastically on the way down. I hope that by Easter we might be looking at things in a much more positive light.

As many have said, though, each number of those who have died represents a mother, father, sister, brother, friend who, mostly, but for the virus, would still be with us today. Our prayers continue to go out to everyone who has been affected in any way. We also continue to thank God for the many thousands of people who have been involved in the process of getting the vaccine out to us from the labs where it was created to those on the frontline delivering it to us. It just goes to show what can be achieved when we all work together.

As we continue through Lent, may I suggest that, as we had to give up so much already over the past year, we instead take up a daily time of prayer; a time to pray for others and ourselves as we continue through this ever-shortening tunnel together.

A prayer for those affected by the spread of Coronavirus: Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy. Sustain and support the anxious, be with those who care for the sick, and lift up all who are brought low that we may find comfort, knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen

God Bless Tricia

01233 758250/07885285636. [email protected]

For the next month at Stone we continue to hold our services online. If you would like to receive our weekly News sheet and/or the link to the service, please contact me.

Services for March

7th March 10.30am Morning Prayer 14th March 10.30am Mothering Sunday Service 21st March 10.30am Holy Communion 28th March 10.30am Palm Sunday Service What’s happening 17 The Census is Coming!

March 21st will be the national census day.

Make sure you complete the survey. It informs national and local planning for services, charities, etc and it is a legal obligation. You know it makes sense. www.census.gov.uk EBONY NEWS Have you turned the Covid Crisis into a career? Or begun a new hobby or learned a new skill? CONGRATULATIONS TO: We’d love to hear from you if so. You can submit copy and pictures to Owen and Laura Piper on the safe [email protected] about it, or give Sam a arrival of their son. Percy William Spencer was born on 19th January call on 07737 990380 if you want to chat. weighing 7lb 10oz; Martin and Anne Holdway on the birth of their fifth grandchild. Frank Help wanted! was born to Lauren and Jack in January; Stone-cum-Ebony Memorial Hall is still seeking a volunteer Dinyar Cooper and Tracy Woods on for the role of Treasurer in readiness for the joyous moment their recent engagement. when we are able to fling wide the doors and welcome people We send them all best wishes and back once more! happiness for the future.

Joe Cantor has done an excellent job for us over the years THANK YOU to all those outside the but now would like to step down from the role. Isle of Oxney who have subscribed/donated to receive a Surely there’s someone out there who would like to join our copy of the magazine. All donations small Committee to help keep our village hall open? have been passed to Peter Burnett, the Treasurer. Please either email [email protected] or telephone the Committee Secretary, Marion, on 01233 758113.

FTTP Community Project

Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) Government Gigabit Voucher scheme

I am very pleased to say our Gigabit Voucher scheme, Fibre To The Premises for , with Court Lodge Road has been moved into the build phase and Openreach will be starting work in 10-12 months’ time. Thank you everyone who has joined in this great opportunity - In Knock Hill, Military Road, Top Road, Church Hill, Catt Hill, Stone Green, Forge Meadow, The Street, Lower Road, Appledore Road and Court Lodge Road. You can still express your interest in upgrading to ultra fast fibre optic to your house or business. Please feel free to email me. Thank you for helping me; Tim, Rose, Hugh, Sam, Mandy, Jason, Mary, Chris, Paul, Sally, Sue, Susie, Rosie and the Parish Council, for encouraging people to join, advertising, editing, general and moral support. Thankfully, our job is done. It is in Openreach’s hands now.

Anna Knight Oat Barn House [email protected] 18 Acknowledgements Answers to Mothers Quiz Thank you to everyone who has contributed articles, pictures, 1. Anne Boleyn 2. Princess Anne and Zara Tindall stories, and suggestions for this 3. Bowes Lyon edition. 4. Kim Kardashian 5. T’Pau 6. Mother-in-Law’s Tongue Finally, 7. Necessity an apology to everyone who finds this 8. Sandy Powell edition difficult to read, to those whose 9. Judy Garland contributions have been ruthlessly 10. Mice disfigured, or missed out altogether, and to 11. 69 those who spot the myriad changes of font 12. James Bond size, type face, alignment etc. 13. Slade Could do better? 14. Mother Shipton’s Cave If you’ve read the contents of this magazine 15. Outlook on Oxney and thought ‘I could do better’ – then please do! Outlook is for the community, by the community and it is only as BEWARE The Ides of March! interesting and diverse as the people who Final copy for the April Edition is contribute words and pictures. If you are one of them – a thousand thanks. If you 15th March are not – why not? [email protected]

[email protected] 07737 990380 In the garden with Lex 19

Spring is upon us again; I am writing this as the last of the snow melts in February and the wind outside feels Arctic. But the article will reach you in March so I am thinking of the Spring.

In the Flower Garden

Plant summer flowering bulbs such as Lilies and Gladioli.

If you sowed sweet peas in the autumn you can harden them off now. This means getting them used to cooler conditions before planting them, so take them out during the day, or move them to a cold frame, and only protect them at night. If you have not sown any, it is not too late; if you do it now they will start to flower a little later, but that does not really matter. You might want to build ‘wigwams’ to grow them up.

This leads on to my next tip. Cut plants such as willow and cornus, grown for their ornamental winter bark, back hard at this time of year. Willow and cornus will both root really easily if you push them into the ground, so are not good for staking, but we have been using large cut willow branches for sweet pea wigwams. Simply peel the bark off the bottom of the branches to prevent them rooting. The added attraction of this is that the willow has a lovely golden colour, so looks great with the plants growing up it.

Also, cut back hard elders and paulonias if you want the big leaves. Cut back ornamental grasses in March, as well as red hot pokers.

I recommend a general feed in March; use any of the all-purpose fertilisers and follow the manufacturer’s recommendation as to how much to use.

Cut the grass when possible.

In the Vegetable Garden

Get your Onions in.

Plant new fruit bushes as soon as you can.

You can start lots of vegetables now. Get going on successional sowing of lettuce, carrots, cabbage, beetroot etc. now, as long as the ground is not too wet or cold. Add any organic matter you can to the beds.

Try to keep on top of weeds as they emerge.

Don’t forget to feed your fruit trees and bushes while you are doing the vegetable beds.

Hopefully Boris will turn the key and we can get out to enjoy the gardens in this, the Garden of England.

Lex Datta utlook MARCH n xney 2021

WE NEED YOU! HAVE WE MISSED YOU? Web Manager - to help update and maintain the Were you a part of the delivery team website previously, a group/society leader or perhaps We will have a general meeting once we are able an advertiser? to, so we can get your thoughts/feedback, allow If so, apologies we couldn’t reach you. people to volunteer for all roles & hopefully vote in Please do get in touch with us so we have a long-term committee. your details! 2021 Advertising Rates Per 10 insertions a year: Quarter page £115 / Eighth page £60 Ad Creation We offer a basic ad creation service for our magazine as follows; Text plus image 8th page £10 / Qtr page £15. This service includes 5 amends* throughout the year. * minor text and/or image changes. Full copy and image change will require a new ad to be created and charged for. Bespoke ad - please discuss details with us!

The Small Print! All contributions to the website and magazine are subject to Editorial Committee approval. The Editor reserves the right to amend or, if there is insufficient space (for magazine), to omit articles as necessary. We are grateful for the considerable amount of voluntary effort that goes into the typing, layout, preparation and delivery of Outlook on Oxney. The website and magazine is funded by donations from the Parish Councils, subsidised by advertising and other donations. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, we cannot be held responsible for any misinformation, typesetting or errors contained within the magazine. www.outlookonoxney.co.uk