With Oxfordshire’s “Secret Garden” no longer a secret, newcomers have been passing the Mill-- thankfully friendly and positive about the episode-- with the occasional stranger greeting us with “Hello Henry” or “Hello Sara”.Soon after the programme was aired, a mysterious parcel arrived in the post which, on opening, contained a small wooden duck, with a label around its neck reading, “My name is Doris”--a surprise present from the Duck Company https://www.dcuk.com.
Gill Spencer, Waterstock’s Hedgehog Champion, reports that “the hedgehog that befriended Sarah Godowski, following her around the yard and attacking her feet, eventually found its way into Park Farm House garden where it was discovered wandering around the garden in broad daylight, following Mike everywhere. As this is very uncharacteristic behaviour, I took it into Tiggywinkles. As to date, it is still there undergoing observation and tests. We hope nothing serious is wrong with it and I’ll be following its progress over the next few weeks.”
Edward de Rivera has goldfinches and greenfinches visiting daily, who seem on cordial terms with each other. They love his sunflower seeds but don’t take to the great spotted woodpecker that is also a daily visitor. Although the bird food is quite expensive, Edward says it’s worth it for the pleasure that it gives
him.
Perhaps spurred on by Secret Garden — as Waterstock’s Local Wildlife Site (LWS) was singled out for special mention in its Press Release -- SODC has made some funding available to improve habitats in South Oxfordshire’s LWS’s . The River Thame Conservation Trust (RTCT)is investigating how to claim these funds.
Leaving wildlife, Sarah Bell has exciting news that she is expecting to hold another July 4 celebration at Kimmeridge to follow on from her much-enjoyed event last year. She also reports that Ash and Henry, who attended last year’s July 4th event moved in with her in April and were married recently in Sussex. Sarah adds that both are wonderful creative woodworkers, focusing on local, sustainably harvested wood, and they build furniture. Ash specializes in carving, while Henry also does ceramics. She says they are really enjoying the village as a peaceful place after living on a houseboat in central London.
Waterperry Opera has made a plea for accommodation to house their singers, musicians and others during the opera festival. We have done this a couple of times and can thoroughly recommend it. Anyone who might consider this should please contact philip@waterperryoperafestival.co.uk
Finally, after all the great work that recently went into cleaning up the interior of St Leonards, it was
heartbreaking to see that more plaster has fallen from the ceiling in the chancel, depositing debris on the chancel floor. Discussions are now in progress on carrying out repairs.
