Issue 106 AUGUST 2002 First there was the Barbecue - A Summer of see pages 2 — 3 Social Successes! then a party at Garth House hosted by Bruce and Jeanie Goodman, seen here with Bruce’s best friend since their schooldays, another Bruce!— pages 4 to 5, followed by — the Midgham Gathering the next day bringing the new residents out to meet the old— pages 6 to 7 1 MIDGHAM’S BARBECUE n spite of rather threatening I clouds earlier in the day couldn’t put some and not all. June 15th turned up trumps and Last year’s new management did a produced the perfect evening for a superb job this year, and Alan barbecue, which was very well Gibbs chefery, with Andrew Hil- ton’s experienced support, pro- attended, as you can see from the duced succulent beef and lamb- pictures. Forgive me if I haven’t burgers, whilst Francine, with her put names on everyone, I forgot excellent new apprentice Fleur, to write them all down, and masterminded the salad collection, the raffle, the prizes for the same, 2 the gossip? It was good, too, to see so many visiting faces, and so thank you to all those who brought along their friends. It and all the other duties required of hostesses. We were pleased to welcome residents who hadn’t come before, and enjoyed serious chatting with those residents we seemed that everyone had enjoyed don’t see as often as we should like. themselves, and we hope to see them again next year. Who doesn’t enjoy catching up with Well. How many peo- ple can you recog- nise? And if you weren’t there, aren’t you sorry you missed it? Left is hostess Fleur with friends and the handsome display of prizes given by gener- ous supporters to be won in the raffle. 3 JUBILATION AT GARTH HOUSE tors in action. But id you see the never have I seen D fireworks on birds so totally en- June 22nd? Bruce and joying being Jeanie Goodman, of among people, and Garth House, held a children got a great Jubilation in honour of the Queen’s kick out of putting Jubilee, but also because it was the gauntlet on and Bruce’s Birthday and to add to the calling the birds to celebrations Jeanie’s eldest son got come for titbits. Not engaged that evening. The first that they were in any sight I had when I arrived was the danger, except that handsome peregrine falcon above the birds are pretty hunting with a friend over the lawn! heavy. Sandra from Hordes of happy Jubilators were de- the Woolhampton lighting in the entertainment offered. Post Office discovered that they Mr Magic had most of the children were capable of landing quite gen- involved in his feats of prestidiga- tly when a large Harris Hawk flew tory virtuosity (really shorter words across the lawn to land on her wrist. to not fully express the magnifi- The Harris Hawk comes from Ari- cence of his act) and only one seri- zona, and I was reminded of com- ous young man suspected that some plaints from Englishmen during the sleight of hand might be involved – war against the direct – and suc- and drew everyone’s attention to the cessful – approaches to any pretty possibility. Although the magic Englishwomen by flyers from the was for the children there were States. some very deep voices calling en- The food couragement and some mums were was likewise also happy to ‘help’. amazing, Outside those not in the queue for a and I had a quick lesson from a chef consultation with the fortune-teller on roasting a hog on charcoal. I watched the demonstration of work- don’t think I shall be doing it too ing falcons, hawks and owls, the often, the lesson was quick, but the like of which roasting takes I have never something like seen before, 6½ hours. But though I have the example was seen many as delicious as it flying preda- looks! Waiting to know the future Jeanie with neighbour Frank 4 Unlimited The VILLAGE HALL pop and he last meeting of the Vil- other T lage Hall Committee ended snacky bits on a note of despondency and grief did not in- that after all their work and efforts, hibit lively plus the support of so many resi- use of a dents, it was all going to come to bouncy cas- nothing because of changes in the tle, but the adults did stay clear of legislation. However a white that, and preferred chatting equally knight has come galloping over the cheerfully with old friends and total hill in the shape of Robert Strad- strangers who soon seemed like old ling, who volunteered his help in friends. Later a steel band played dealing with the planning problems. and all styles of impromptu dancing He has, as a retired property devel- took place on the grass in the mar- oper, some experience in such mat- quee, until the evening ended with a ters. As there was nothing from bang – well, several bangs – in a the last meeting to be revisited he firework display which many of the gave his report to the committee village watched from their own gar- first thing on the agenda. When he dens. I know this from the number had finished the sub-committee said of people who asked me the follow- he had accomplished in two weeks ing day what had been happening. what they have been trying to do So I guessed you would all like to for months, and they were very know what was being celebrated. grateful to him. It is wonderful Truly an occasion when a good time what can be accomplished when was had by all, present or even still you understand what the people at home! who seem to be getting in the way really have to do, and can present The your case accordingly. He has so very far had six meetings with various genial officials and departments, and re- host ported that the outcomes of these were generally positive. With re- gard to the car parking the high- ways department had made sugges- tions which should help keep the costs down in achieving three places immediately in front of the (Continued on page 10) 5 The MIDGHAM GATHERING The high spot for hosts Frin and Paul Carter seemed to be the egg and spoon race. Dog Tisa had volunteered to be looked and it was amazing how the moun- after by the tains of delicacies stood up to the children, and constant raiding of the plates. was equally Frin has asked me to give a special delighted! mention of thanks to Jessica and Ka- unday June 23rd was the per- tie, who not only helped at the party S fect day for the second but were of stalwart support in the Midgham Gathering, and it was preparations which preceded it. The good to see so many established elegant awning was newly acquired, residents there to meet those new to and it wasn’t realised how big it was the village since last year. For going to be, or that four people were some reason there were not so many needed to erect it, and Jessica and Ka- children as last year, but those there tie helped with that too. enjoyed themselves hugely, and we Among the new residents were Keith had a very spirited Egg and Spoon and Sue Utton, they were introduced Championship. I think they would all sleep well that night. There on the Village Chat page last Decem- ber, but this is the first time I’ve caught them on camera.. They had just arrived home that morning from a were people there whom we have holiday in France, spent in the little not seen much of lately, because of town of San Rémy de Provence, illness, and it was good to see them which is the very place where Fran- again looking and feeling good. çoise Pateman was born. What a co- The food, of course, was delicious, incidence! Also new were the 6 Special Message from Yvonne of 8 Birds Lane. I would like to thank everyone for looking for Smudge. She was found in a drawer in Long-term resident Stella Nesbit chats to the garage at 10 the Harrises, who moved to Midgham from Birds Lane on the Woolhampton a year ago and have now 20th July. She is fine, moved into Charles Jager’s old home apart from being Channels, on Midgham Green. slimmer (Smudge needed to lose Woods family, who have just weight!) and clingy. moved into Half Acre in New Thank you all again Road Hill, players in the musical and a special thank houses game initiated by Charles you for my Jager’s move to Thatcham. neighbours at No.10. I think the establishment of this summer meeting was a great idea, and hope that it will become an- other Village Tradition, and that the Carters will continue to find THANK YOU SO MUCH the pleasure they deserve from We were in such a hurry to get a report of the Village Fête into the last issue their generosity in hosting it. that we failed to express our apprecia- tion of some of the most generous sup- Amanda Taplin porters of the Fête, like the Coach and added grace and Horses and other local businesses who, style to the day. year after year, provide the magnificent raffle prizes which are such a draw. This year we are also indebted to the Padworth Court Hotel, who helped us to set up and keep supplied the Coconut Shy with coconuts, which are not so easy to get hold of wholesale as you might think.