Autumn is finally upon us and the nights are drawing in. Our gardens are now finally recovering after the incredibly hot summer and the grass is green again. Thankfully the weather is dry at the time of writing, which is a big relief after last year’s awful flooding that caused such disruption to 3 homes in the middle of the village.
Hopefully all the work that has been completed to add flood defences and improve the flow of water through the ditches by a number of villagers will pay off. I noticed during the week that Angela has had some new sealed flood gates added to the outside wall of her property which should make a big difference. There is still much work to be done, but once the community flood mitigation grant has hopefully been approved for the work required in the Stubb’s garden (detailed in the previous issue of the Parish News) which will benefit the community as a whole, it should be all systems go!
Sadly, a well-known face in our village, Michael Wilkinson, died recently after 24 years of working for us in the gardens and on the land at Home Farm. Michael was from Shabbington. A nicer, kinder man would be hard to find and he is greatly missed. He was a familiar sight to be seen heading up and down the road on our Kubota tractor! Our condolences go out to his wife and family.
On a brighter note, Gill and Mike are happy to announce the safe arrival of their first grandchild. Zach David Spencer Thomson born on the 7th October weighing 8.4 pounds. Gemma, Alex and baby Zach are all doing well.
We are grateful to Geoff and Michael Talbot, who cut back the prunus autumnalis tree which had fallen on the churchyard wall. There were extended and vulnerable branches growing in all directions, meaning that the overall size of the tree needed to be reduced, calling for much skill and discretion.
Rosalind reports that for those who watch or listen to the Kings College Cambridge Christmas Eve Carol Service, it may be of interest to know the newly commissioned modern carol this year has been composed by Rachel Portman, sister of Rodney.
Henry reports that October 14th marks the first anniversary of the start of the marathon Planning Inquiry on the Appeal lodged by the developers of the Golf Course site, which continued into January this year. We are still waiting for the inspector’s Decision, which (surely!) can’t be delayed much further.
Henry also reports that on 16th September the Environment Agency carried out a fish survey at Waterstock Mill in which they stun the fish electronically and then count and measure them. A total of 256 coarse fish were caught which was slightly higher than the 232 total when the last comparable survey was carried out in 2019. The species count was Bleak (17), Chub (30), Dace (35), Gudgeon (55), Pike (3) and Roach (116). There was also a very good turn out of minor species: Bullhead, Minnow, and Stoneloach. It was disappointing to find that this time no perch or barbel were recorded. Overall, a good result, which explains the strong presence here of otters, herons, little egrets, kingfishers and cormorants.
The contractors working for Livvy have carried out welcome tree surgery on the magnificent old oak in her paddock, which looks much improved and less of a hazard to footpath users walking under it. On a similar theme, we hope that the large dead chestnut tree close to Bow Bridge on the Waterperry side will be attended to before it can do any damage.
Ali is excited to report that Orchard End will start to be re-thatched at the beginning of December. This end of the village will be much improved when finished, with 2 recently re-thatched buildings. The agricultural barn in Home Farm farmyard next door was completely restored and rethatched last year. We are so lucky to live in a village with such historic buildings. They take a lot of maintaining, but it is so well worth it.
Finally, the Carol Service this year will be at 5.30pm on Sunday 21st December and the village bring and share supper afterwards will be held at Home Farm as usual. If you would like to come, please email me janet.shipperley@gmail.com or ring/message me on 07808 403166 (we no longer have a landline), with what you would like to bring to add to the buffet table, either savoury or sweet and also what beverage you would like to bring.
