At last, we are enjoying a brighter, Spring-like spell of weather. As I write this month’s entry the UK has experienced the warmest day of the year so far.
Henry reports that with this break in the relentless rain, the river levels have plunged and the wildlife around them at the Mill has come alive. Swans and Grey Wagtails have been mating, obligingly on camera, and kingfishers have returned to fish in the shallow waters. Most exciting of all are five
Goosanders patrolling the river upstream of the Mill – Waterstock being their only recorded breeding site in Oxfordshire. The otters are back in force too and as Sarah Bell has reported there’s a massive red kite nest high up in a poplar tree overlooking the Arthur’s boathouse and Sarah’s garden. The magnificent Magnolia tree in the Mill garden is looking stunning – so all is good, despite what’s going on in the world just now.
And for those who like wildlife, there’s a treat in store on Easter Day at 6pm on BBC1 in the 1st episode of Secret Garden narrated by David Attenborough, part of the build up to his 100th birthday on 8 May. And now a spoiler: a duck called Doris is the star. See BBC iPlayer https://www.instagram.com/reel/DW1XkMKCa12/
Continuing the theme of wildlife, please keep your eyes peeled for hedgehogs in the village that will be emerging from hibernation. This is a critical time as they have often lost one-third of their body weight and are extremely hungry and thirsty. Tiggywinkles recommends leaving out a shallow dish of fresh water and meaty cat or dog food. This is a lifesaver while their natural prey (insects/worms) are still scarce. We should also look out for them on roads and verges. Lorna has confirmed that we have some more signs that will be going up in the village shortly.
Rosalind reports that we have just escaped a near disaster after David Bendor Samuel discovered, due to church regulations, that he was expected to step down from being our vicar next year on reaching the venerable age of 70 years. This was not what David wished for, and certainly not what the four
parishes wanted. So, after lobbying the Bishop we have been granted a three-year reprieve if David is still happy to continue as our Vicar, or officially our House for Duty Priest (unsalaried). We are fortunate to have David, both for himself and all he offers to our four villages. At this time, so many communities have no vicar and if they do, they have to share a vicar with as many as 8 or more villages! We are also pleased to hear that David has been given permission to take a 3-month sabbatical, which is encouraged after several years of service. So hasten forward now with any plans for weddings or christenings before August 1st. Over the three months of August, September and October we will be looked after by Clare Joyce from Wheatley , a very approachable ex-nurse, who is in the process of getting to know our village.
Once again, Helen MacRitchie and Jane Hanson will be opening their studios from 2-10 May for Artweeks. Do look out for signs and drop in to see Helen’s wonderful collection of hand dyed and felted wool textiles and Jane’s high fired, functional, stoneware pottery. Lili, who used to live in Waterstock, will also be showing her glasswork in Waterperry, where she has her studio.
Finally, I am sure we have all enjoyed watching the amazing work of the thatchers who have now completed the new roof on Orchard End. The cottage has also been repainted and is now looking very beautiful.
