September Blog 2024

Quick trip back to Tuesday 27th of August!  A jolly group of singers joined James for a service at Oak Lodge.  Beautiful day, gardens looking very lovely and the lounge was well attended by the residents.  Many of whom were looking forward to going back out into the gardens, so good as the weather is perfect.

Friday 6th September, a party of 26 Australians arrived at our gorgeous little church on their tour of all places Jane Austen.  A lovely group, who despite the weather, enjoyed Michael’s talk, along with the ambience and feel of the surroundings.  Wonderful.  Also, the coach drivers are amazing, hat’s off to them.

Saturday 7th, a few from Steventon, in costume no less!! were in St Mary’s Hall in Overton, also Katy with her lovely cards and art display.  The Community Launch weekend with Overton Austen Trails.  Talks, displays and Performances, ending with songs & music performed by The Madding Crowd.  Mostly from the reign of George III, plus music from the Austen manuscripts.  

Book group met on Friday 13th, at Barbara’s lovely new home.  Thank you for hosting Barbara.  Steventon bakers came out in force with a delicious selection!  Eventually, the book under discussion and enjoyed, was “Cider with Rosie” by Laurie Lee.  A score of 8 was given.

Monday 16th in the village hall, after Paracise!  A quick transformation took place, as it always does, this time for the McMillian Coffee Morning.  At the moment, this has raised over £500, with hopefully, a few more donations coming in from those who were unable to attend.  A very busy morning with loads of beautifully tasty cakes made from very generous villagers.  Well done all, such a success.  Lovely Sally raised £85 for Cancer Research UK, with her table of delicious chocolate brownies.  You are doing brilliantly, nearly the end of September!

The sunshine is still with us, hurrah, plenty of beans yet to be picked, lots of runner bean chutney already made.  Tomatoes and cucumbers still doing well.  Weeds raising their heads every 5 minuets it seems!  Not so good.  Blackberries in abundance still, which is grand with Harvest Lunch this Sunday.   Not long before fruit will be soaking in brandy in readiness for the Christmas cake to be made at half term!  Still enjoying the garden, the beautiful mornings.  A skein of geese have been seen a few times just above the tree line this month, brilliant.  Did you know the term ‘skien’ comes from the idea that the geese look like a long piece of wool or yarn gliding through the sky.  Maybe another BBQ this week as looks like it is getting warmer, let’s hope so.  Lunch is calling, salad sandwich? tomatoes on toast? what decisions one has to make!