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 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 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 . 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 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. We’re a bit short on space, but will all you generous donors appreciate that our thanks, if expressed Jamie Rusbridge just properly, would fill the whole newslet- enjoyed the cars and ter, and not the little space you see here. tractors on offer! 7 fruit garden and left plenty for the freezer! Some thirty odd years ago a six- year-old neighbour’s child was watching me pick peas in the gar- den of my North Wales home. A barrage of “what” questions came my way, which prompted me to split open a pod and offer her some raw peas to eat. She backed off on

Looking Down on Eden receiving this offer informing me in no uncertain terms that the peas she ate came from a can! This conversation was revived in my memory by my recent and long THE GARDEN SLOT IN EDEN awaited visit to the Eden Project. I oft fruit am sure many of you will have S picking been there, and I hope were suita- seemed to be end- bly impressed by the aims of Tim less this year. Smit in trying to make people un- There was a derstand plants and their uses and marked abundance the important fact that they are a of Gooseberries, renewable source of all sorts of Blackcurrants and Redcurrants, no things that we take doubt helped by the mild spring for granted. Unlike and damp cool condi- many horticultural tions which prevailed enterprises this is until summer arrived not a collection of on July 11th. The plants with unpro- nounceable Latin Blackbirds must have Those are nor- known, we are into a third brood at names. Yes, the Latin mal men, not the end of July from the same nest names are there but midgets, work- ing on the Biome in the Honeysuckle and a pair in are backed up by the Cotoneaster under the kitchen clear descriptions of the use of the window have also produced a late plant to the human race. batch of fledglings. Despite their Over and above the horticultural huge numbers the Blackbirds failed aspect one cannot fail to be im- to demolish the Redcurrants which pressed by “the statistics”. From were left unprotected in the old soft those written about the human race

8 on the wall opposite the entrance to COLD PEARS the visitors centre through to the A second contribution from Fran- creation of 85000 tons of soil from cine Gibbs, for when the pears are sand and waste. On top of that the ripe and ready! two giant biomes are a 21st century hanks to free trade within engineering marvel and are far from T the European Union and the single level greenhouse with imports from other countries there which we familiar at other horticul- are acres of pears in Kent every tural centres of excellence. Then autumn which have failed to sell. there is the drainage system to end Best to ask the farmer first! all drainage systems, able to cope First heat ¾ pint water and 4 oz with 20000 bathfuls of water pour- caster sugar, adding red wine (to ing into the pit each day, and many, taste) and some very thin slices of many more mind-boggling statis- lemon, or PLJ (bottled tics. Pure Lemon Juice) if A mere 3 hours was my quota of preferred, to make the time at Eden due to doing the trip in syrup. one day, courtesy of Hertfordshire Take 4 large pears, peel Rail Tours. An early start from and quarter them and Reading on their “special” straight remove the pips and the inner core. through to Par in some 4hr 45mins. (Barely ripe Conference or Con- Breakfast and Lunch served out- corde pears, which retain their ward, returning in the evening in structure, are better than William similar time with an excellent 4- for this) Cut them with a silver or course dinner to get back home for silver-plated knife rather than one 10.30pm. A very pleasant and re- of plain steel. laxing way to spend a day out. Quickly put the pears into the Dave Cantwell. syrup (before they turn brown) adding nutmeg or cinnamon and simmer until they are eatably soft, Inside but not too much so. these The contents of the saucepan can mighty then be cooled and frozen until green- needed or put in a glass dish into houses the fridge until served. I like to are serve with single cliffs cream and shortbread and biscuits. moun- tains

9 CRoW 14th Sept (Continued from page 5) fter the sum- hall plus a thirty-eight metre bay at A mer holi- the side of the road. He still has days there is still an more meetings scheduled, but the event in Midgham to Regulations application has been look forward to and approved. that is the CRoW ride - cycle, ride The paradox now is that we may not or walk, for the have a usable village hall until the Churches Trust, a Charitable trust work is completed! We haven’t got that can provide much needed all the permissions we must have, grants to churches in need. In the but things appear to be in hand and past, St Matthew's, Midgham, has in good case. However since we been on the receiving end, but of are slightly in the red because of un- course the Trust needs to get dona- avoidable running costs like the tions in return and this is one en- mandatory insurance there is a need joyable way of being able to con- to raise operating cash. At present a tribute. It is an annual event race meeting is being investigated in which takes place nation-wide on a local hall we should have to hire. the second Saturday in There are costs with such events, but September. In the they are very popular and can prove past we have made this good money makers, providing that quite an event and people will commit to coming in people of all ages from 7 years old advance. The Coming Events col- to OAP's are sponsored to cycle to umn is on holiday this week, but do about l2 churches along pretty watch the notice board! country lanes, stopping for refresh- ments at a given place. Our route (continued from previous column) is about 22 miles in all but it is not performance again this year. St compulsory to complete the Matthew's needs money, espe- course! Last year the Berkshire cially for the repair of the organ, Churches Trust exceeded their tar- so it would be very good to hear get of £26,000 and half the spon- from you, whether as a sponsor or sorship money was returned to the a participant, and I do hope as participating churches, the balance many people as possible will come being used for grants to churches for what is usu- and chapels throughout Berkshire. ally a lovely We in Midgham raised £1,121,00 autumnal ride and received back half and it through parts of would be wonderful to be able to our beautiful repeat the (CRoW continued â) countryside.

10 WWW.MIDGHAM.COM hotels, guest houses, camp sites, and Have you visited our village website what’s on offer in the entertainment yet? That’s the address up there, in world. And that is what I saw in just lower case letters, of course, and it’s a quick visit yesterday afternoon. In an absolute mine of information future the latest edition of this news- which you can spend quite a while letter will also be there for ex- investigating. There are maps which midghamites exiled to foreign parts will show you where even the post- like Lancashire or New Zealand, and, code you want is, and supply instruc- of course, we shall be having details tions on just how to get here for your of coming events on there that every- visitors from other parts of the coun- one can consult when you can’t re- try. You can see how the prices of member when it starts at 2o’clock or property round here vary against 3.30. other parts of the country for different We are indebted to Stewart kinds of houses (I’m not sure I can McMillan, who lives in Goddard afford to live here!), you can check Drive for setting it up and agreeing to the local weather, find out where all be our Webmaster. He will wel- sorts of local services are on offer, (Continued on page 12)

11 Theresa Harris have moved into my house, Channels, on the Green, and the Woods have moved into their former home Half Acre. More of them in a minute. When distributing the Church maga- zine I dropped in on the Dowsetts in East Lodge and learned that thieves have stolen all their gardening equip- ment. That seems to be a regular feature in summer, so remember to VILLAGE CHAT keep your sheds and garages locked. idgham is on the move, More important though, to the M with several houses on the Dowsetts, is that Brigitte is expect- market or already under offer. On ing her second baby in January next the Green Water Oak has been sold, year. Congratulations and good and the Turners will be leaving our wishes to them. village in August. On School Hill Newcomers to the village are Mark St Martins bears a “SOLD” sign- and Jo Woods, who have moved into board, and we shall be sorry to lose Half Acre on Hew Road Hill with the Bunyans, whilst appreciating their two children Nicholas, aged Jeff’s work on the Village Hall. I eleven, and Ellie, aged 8. Mark is hear that the house next to the Re- the senior partner in an electronic source factory opposite the Coach design company, and Jo, operating and Horses has appeared on the from home, organises meetings and Property pages in the Newbury conferences. Nicholas is a pupil at Weekly News, and so has Bailiff’s College, and Jo would House, in the Park, which is perhaps welcome hearing from anyone who already sold. Finally Andrew and would like to share the school run. Charles Jager, Your Foreign Correspondent. (Continued from page 11) come anything you will give him for the site which will make it more inter- esting or informative, so think what CONTACTS TELEPHONE you would like to see. Maybe some Charles Jager 01635 860994 details of village history, school or work successes, births, engagements June Dutton 971 2049 and marriages etc. But most of all do Sarah Henderson 971 3956 visit it soon, and tell us what you think. Sheila Tytel 971 2151

12