The Kanes kindly hosted, and Lorna Arthur organised, a wonderful VE Day themed party in the garden at Waterstock House. The sun shone, the garden was looking glorious and we all enjoyed every aspect of the hospitality: either the chance to bring our own picnics –or enjoy Stephen's BBQ. Wendy and John ran a terrific tombola where almost all the prizes were won and the ongoing boules battle was very popular.
The much-anticipated moment came when it was time to judge the cakes. The display of about 15 cakes was spectacular, all had been baked and decorated by the village. They were much admired over the course of the afternoon. Michael Tyce had been invited to judge, helped by his grandson Jo, it was a serious responsibility and after much deliberation the winner was announced – a cake decorated as a union jack with blue berries and strawberries providing the colours. The winner was Gill Spencer!
We were then invited to enjoy a slice from all or any of the cakes. Sara Manisty skilfully kept control on the charge with her large sharp knife in hand.
Soon afterwards, Lorna circulated this message to the village:
“Thank you to everyone for coming and joining in and making such generous donations...we raised
£571.00 !!!! A special thank you to the Kanes for their fantastic hospitality and in particular to Livvy for all her work and Stephen for his BBQ sausages and burgers, Hannah for the Pimm's, Marion, Jenny, Jane, Wendy and John, Sara, Sini, and Gill for everything else. The cakes were amazing and very much in theme of 80 years of peace since VE day.
The party mood is set to continue with our newest resident Sarah Bell hosting July 4th festivities in her beautiful garden, sending this kind invitation to the Village:
“A huge thank you to everyonewho has made me feel so welcome since I arrived in the village. I’ve been
thinking about what an excuse might be to have people round for a BBQ in the garden, and as the new American (who has lived in Oxford for over a decade) I thought it might be fun to host a 4th of July BBQ. I was never one for the 4th of July, but I can’t resist the opportunity for a good reason to light up the grill and feed an excessive number of people. Also, 4 July falls on a Friday this year, so it just felt right.
So, without further ado you are all invited to The Close House (less affectionately known as Kimmeridge) on Friday 4 July from 6PM. RSVP. I’ll provide the food, but please feel free to bring a side or dessert if you feel so inclined (but not necessary).
Henry has informed us - On a much less happy note, the torture of waiting for the Inspector’s Decision on the golf course planning application is set to continue over the summer, after the Planning Inspectorate wrote to SODC :
“With apologies for the delay, the Inspector is likely to issue his decision in the autumn, due to other
commitments in his calendar.”
