Signs of Autumn in Waterstock
I am fairly certain, but currently unable to check, that every year I start the September piece by asking, “where has the year gone?” So, where has it gone?
Does anybody else think Autumn has arrived early? There is definitely a chill, and a feeling of Autumn in the air.
Mike Haffey, as we all know, is the Parish Footpath Warden. He has written from France to say that although he is not in Waterstock at the moment, he is keen to show that he takes his responsibilities seriously and hopes the following will be of interest to those who walk the local footpaths. The Ramblers, with assistance from OCC, have installed gates to replace three stiles on the Oxfordshire Way, on the section that includes the difficult crossing of Sandy Lane.
More rambling and less clambering.
Have you noticed the large number of trees dying? This is perhaps due to the unusual weather we have been having. A case in point are the five large chestnut trees that have died just to the east of Bow Bridge. One of these stands close to the bridge and might damage it if it were to fall. The trees are actually in Waterperry, and we are hoping that action can be taken to render them safe.
Talking of weather, it is good to see villagers who suffered so terribly from the heavy rainfall and flooding in September last year returning after major work to their houses. Angela Abdoo has now fully returned after a fruitless battle with Thames Water. The Stubbs family are also in the process of moving
back, though administrative hiccups have delayed them. They hope to be in by the end of September.
It will be excellent to have them all back and bring more life to this corner of the village.
Henry Manisty has sent the following update regarding the development of the Golf Course:
“We are still awaiting the Planning Inspector’s decision on the appeal against SODC’s refusal of planning permission to develop the western section of the Waterstock Golf Course site, where the enquiry closed in mid-January. However, in early August the developers were allowed to file a new written submission claiming that the new government guidance on planning policy supported their case. Waterstock has responded with a brilliantly argued paper from Michael Tyce rejecting that submission, and SODC is expected to put in its own repudiation by the end of August.
A rash guess is that the Inspector’s decision will be issued in late September.”
A happy Autumn to one and all.
