News from Woodmancote & Popham

Since I last wrote a piece for this magazine, at the very beginning of September, such a lot seems to have happened. Most notably our dear Queen Elizabeth II passed away and the country was plunged into mourning her deep loss. So much has been written about that over the past two months, but these words I thought I’d share with you. It was just someone making a comment on the BBC website, but I thought his words summed up my thoughts entirely and were so true.

“How odd, for a 96-year-old to pass away and it still to be a shock. Yet the queen was performing her duties of State, seeing off the old PM and appointing the new one, just two days before she slipped away. If it had been a weeks - or months - long slow fade, confined to a hospital bed, there would have been no shock. So that’s why the inevitable comes, as if mischievously, with a tinge of “startlement.” It occurs to me that Elizabeth II would not have wanted it be any other way. As she slipped in rather suddenly and startlingly, so she slipped out.”

On 25th September St. James’ held Harvest Festival followed by a lunch, kindly hosted by Emily and Myles Bray at their house in Woodmancott.

The Church looked amazing adorned with beautiful flowers, vegetables and fruit. We are so lucky to have such a talented village to help decorate the Church.

The Church was packed and it was a fine Autumn day. Rev. Rob took the Service – he reminded us how fortunate we are to have so much food when so many people are not so lucky. Especially remembering the people in Ukraine and also how the war is affecting developing countries whose food supply mainly comes from Ukraine. This was also mentioned by Nick Allen in the Harvest report and, of course, so was the weather! This year though it wasn’t the rain but the very dry Summer. Nick said that while it has been very difficult for livestock farmers, the yields from winter wheat have been surprisingly good. Lunch was a joyous affair and everyone contributed by providing a dish. Special thanks to Nick Greenwood who cooked and provided both the Gammon and Salmon.

With the raffle and an unexpected auction prize which really bolstered our fund raising, we had a very successful day. Even more than that, it was a lovely afternoon spent with friends and neighbours in a beautiful English country garden…. perfect.

Don’t forget our All Souls Service at 6pm on 30th October when we gather together to remember loved ones who have passed away. In November there is a service of Holy Communion at 6pm on Sunday 20th.

Jane.

Wednesday 2nd November 12.30pm at Northbrook Hall

Two course lunch for £4.50

If you need a lift or have not been before, please give me a call Tricia Patston on 795028

Micheldever Parish Council Notice of Meeting

Wednesday 2nd November

The Warren Centre 7.30pm

This will be a full face to face meeting of the Parish Council and residents will be welcome to attend . There will be an opportunity for questions from the public at around 8 .00pm www.micheldeverparish.org.uk

Parish Council Matters–Planning Applications, Meetings–Agendas, Dates & Minutes, Newsletters, Parish Assembly and more .