Yet another brilliant Quiz Night on Friday 30th January, which was enjoyed by all. 8 cosy teams of 6 filled the village hall. Lots of laughs, great company, plus lots of banter! Good amount varied and engaging questions kept us on our toes, a taster test of spices to solve by half time, excellent. Too sadly we came to the end, with ‘My Personal Favourites’ in first place, ‘Austentacious’ came second and ‘A Bit of Luck’ in third. Well done to our quiz masters, Laurence and Sally also to Sally for making her most delicious packs of chocolate brownies for the winners, a great evening.
Into February and Saturday the 7th, Julian’s funeral at St.Mary’s Church, Overton. The church was completely full, the service certainly delivered a true celebration of a unique life, full of love for all his family, his friends and love of his home of 40 years, which we all felt. Such a perfect tribute and reflection of Julian’s and Sally’s life, how proud Julian was and would have been of his children and grandchildren. It was a privilege and an honour for us all to have been present. A true gentleman who will be so very missed. Afterwards, everybody was invited back to the Garden House for a birthday tea, as this was the day of his 90th birthday. Cake, tea and champagne flowed liberally as Julian would have wished. We reflected just how amazing it was, that just a few weeks before, Julian had thoroughly enjoyed a surprise village tea party held at his home to say a big thank you for everything that he has done for the village and the church. Plenty of cakes, sandwiches etc. made by the villagers, as we all knew just how much he enjoyed cake. Julian taking centre stage, his smiling face, twinkle in his eye and stories still to tell, while making everyone of us fell very special. So very many memories for us all, to always treasure and remember, especially the bluebell days and his lovely woods.
Book Group met on Friday 13th at Chris’s house, than you Chris for hosting and providing delicious cake and coffee, plus the gorgeous fire that greeted us. After quite a while of catching up and chatting, the book ‘American Dirt’ by Janine Cummins eventually took place. Only 6 read the book, most felt it a difficult subject, but memorable rather than enjoyable, hence a score of 8 was given. Monday 16th, coffee and cake in the village hall a very welcome few hours on a windy, cold morning. Thank you to Linda, Rachel, Marilyn and Sally for delicious cakes and coffee. Always great to catch up with friends and neighbours.
A big welcome to Jason, Michelle and son Louie, plus Pixie the dog who have moved into number 5 Stonehills. We all hope you will be very happy in our very friendly and amazing village.
What started off as a beautiful sunny morning is now cloudy with imminent rain forecast, yet again. Looking back, early on February 1st we were having a cuppa in bed, through the open window came the beautiful sound of the blackbird. The first time we had heard it, quite wonderful, having to compete with the robin now. The tawny owl can be heard quite often, but I have not yet seen the barn owl. A thrush has been heard quite a few times, which is fantastic, this bird app is brilliant! Talking of lovely sounds…..singing on Tuesday evening has been in good voice. The next event is ‘Tea, Cake and Song’ in the village hall on Sunday the 8th March at 3pm in aid of the ‘Forever Singing Memory Choir’. There is no charge, however, donations gratefully received and who can resist cake! Spring is definitely just around the corner with daffodils, crocuses, primroses in flower, warms the heart and how much lighter are the days getting, marvellous. Off to light the fire, then a cuppa and maybe a piece of cake….enjoy