News from Woodmancote & Popham

walk for which Audrey, always a keen and skilled baker, produced quantities of cakes, scones and meringues enough even to satisfy the hungriest of walkers. The Harvest Supper also continued, supported by Brian Wallis another friend and neighbour in the parish. The harvest report, given by a local farmer at Harvest Festival has become another tradition at St James Church.

Audrey suffered from problems with arthritis, but would proudly boast, to her doctors, that she had five new hips. Sadly, in her later years she contracted cancer and endured a difficult range of treatments. She always took pride in her home and it was always her wish that she should end her days in her own house. On the 28th January she passed away quietly at Bradley Farm with members of her family close by.

Never a great traveller or taker of holidays, she only ventured abroad two or three times in her life and hated every minute. The Parish of Popham and Woodmancote was her entire world and she loved and cherished it, and served it tirelessly.

We were all very sad in Woodmancote last month, as our dear Audrey Allen, who worshipped at St James’ Church for over 60 years, passed away. Audrey was such an inspirational woman and part of the very fabric of St James’ Church, being responsible for it for such a long number of years including two long stints as PCC Treasurer and approaching 25 years as Church Warden, from which she retired only three years ago.

Audrey, together with her husband Tony, were involved with practically every fund raising event for St James over that period, including the Bonfire Nights in Popham that lasted for many years, the very popular Barn Dances at Woodmancote and most memorably of all, the Rogation Walk tea that was held every year in her garden! We would like to send our condolences to all the family and to say that Audrey leaves a big hole in the community of Woodmancote and Popham.

On St Valentine’s Day we enjoyed an evening Zoom Service led by Rob Rees. It was lovely to see lots of familiar faces and sing some traditional hymns, albeit at home!

At the time of writing this, I have no idea when lockdown will end or when normal Services at Church will resume. I find it hard to comprehend that March will mark a whole year of the Virus affecting all our lives. Once again, I am reminded to not take anything in life for granted and to live to the full every moment as far as possible. Jane