Well, I wonder who spotted the deliberate mistake? A lone sway! Which should have been ‘swan’ how funny. October came to a close with the United Benefice choir being invited to Deane, for All Saints Service on Sunday 29th. Lovely.
November 5th All Souls service took place in St Nicholas’ church, here in Steventon at 4.00pm. Always such a beautiful service as we remember all our loved ones, each lighting a candle in their memory. Dusk coming upon us, the lights glowing from the windows transforming the area outside all around. So very moving. Everyone stayed in their seat as we listened to Paul play, ‘Largo’ by G.F. Handel. Beautiful.
That evening at 6.00pm, villagers drifted into Peter & Carrie’s field. Delicious mulled wine to partake in, hot Ribena for the children and delicious donated nibbles greeted everyone. A couple of well made, stuffed guys were brought along to be put ceremoniously onto the bonfire. Fireworks, donated by the Village Hall committee, set off brilliantly by Jeff & Mike made for a great evening. Even the rain stayed away!! Thank you very much Peter & Carrie. So very well supported. Thank you to all those who helped.
Friday 10th a very jolly book group met at Sue’s and enjoyed delicious coffee, thank you Sue for hosting. Susie & Jan for delicious cakes. After us all catching up, amidst a lot of banter, ‘The Secret River’ by Kate Grenville came up for discussion. This raised a lot of discussion, particularly about conflicts of culture between British & Indigenous communities. Between wealthy and poor, landownership versus nomadic lifestyles. Feedback was positive, even though sometimes it was a difficult read due to the subject matter. A score of 8 overall. Later that evening, Film night in the village hall took place. The film in question was ‘The Phantom of the Open’ based on real life events of Maurice Flitcroft. Absolutely brilliant, funny, moving, a real feel good movie, plus we had choc ices in the interval, yum. Thank You. Definitely one to watch on a dark, dismal evening, in the company of friends and neighbours and go home feeling very uplifted. Thank you to Sue for organising the evening.
Saturday 11th just before 11.00am, villagers arrived, also the odd passer-by! and gathered round the village triangle outside the village hall. After Julian had read a tribute to the fallen, Laurence, looking amazing, played ‘Flowers of the Forest’ magnificently on his bagpipes followed by two minute’s silence. After, he proceeded to play as he turned and walked slowly back home.
Remembrance service took place on Sunday 12th outside St. Nicholas’ in the grounds of the church yard. Many took part in this moving service, including a recording of the Last Post and Reveille, played on the bugle. The weather that morning was kind once again, umbrellas not needed.
Coffee & Cake on the morning of the 20th, was well attended. After a very slow start, it wasn’t long before every seat was taken. Lots of chatter & laughter, Happy Birthday was sung to Sheena’s husband, Tony. Thank you for delicious cakes, Chris & Tammy and thank you, Fiona, for a very yummy, large dish cheese scone. Also, to helpers Sally & Jan and to you all.
As the fire is being lit, darkness is descending and the lovely aromas of dinner are wafting around, it makes one realize just how very lucky we are. The colours of trees and hedges, that were long awaited for, have been stunning, especially when the sun is rising and just catching the tops. The hedgehogs are still being seen around the garden, the birds feeding well. The Christmas cake has been made, and the sloe gin awaits, that wonderful time of the year soon to be upon us. Many a list is being made I’m sure and soon children will begin to get excited, sooner rather than later!! We have many things to look forward to, the first being the village Rolling Supper, followed by the Christmas Fair on Saturday 2nd December. Dorothy’s beautifully designed Christmas card will be on sale, many stalls full of gifts to buy. Will be lovely to see you there. Carols soon to be sung, can’t wait. As they sing… ‘It’s the most wonderful time of the year’.