Wednesday 28 November 2007

Parish news and views

We have been so busy since our return from Canada that I have not updated this blog. My apologies for that and I shall try to do better in future.

Remembrance Sunday was a very special day this year. The 11th day of the 11th month fell on the Sunday and Rev Dr Anthony Swindell included the dedication of our new Parish Memorial in the short service at 11 am. A contingent of our scouts were present and planted their crosses and poppies in the new turf around the cross. We were lucky with the weather which, though chilly, was dry and bright.
It is a fine memorial to the fallen. The original plaque has been set in the wall below the Parish Hall and the new plinth states simply that "For your tomorrows we gave our today". The old flagpole with its cross trees has gone and has been replaced by two single flag posts, one one each side and, without the hedge that masked so much of the front of the Parish Hall, it really is a fine sight as you approach.

The little woodland below the Parish Hall is really showing the benefit of the efforts made by the team of volunteers, led by the indefatigable Mike Stentiford, who went down on Saturday, 17th November with some of our parishioners and Garden Festival Committee to clear logs and brushwood for this Woodland Regeneration Project. It has already made a difference and we are hoping to organise another effort before Christmas so the ground can be rotavated ready for seeding and planting. I would like to see many more parishioners joining in such a worthwhile Parish effort that just requires a pair of wellies, a pair of gloves and a couple of hours of your time.

On the subject of planting, my thanks to two of our parishioners who have bought trees which they planted in Patier Park on Thursday. The ground was prepared by Graham Langlois, our Floral Co-ordinator and I was delighted to meet the two donors and see them plant their trees. This is a wonderful way to commemorate or celebrate a particular event or person for many years to come.