Christmas may have been a stressful time for some but also an opportunity to slow down and take stock of everything for which we can be thankful. I hope this finds you well rested over the Christmas break, ready to begin 2025 renewed and refreshed.
At the beginning of December, I returned from a few weeks in Australia where everyone was preparing their Christmas lists - sunscreen , mozzie repellent, mangoes and, of course, prawns. I found the sunshine and heat was always wonderful at Christmas, but sitting around a pool never seemed as right as hunkering down around a fire with a hot drink or two. At least that's what I continue to tell myself as the darkness now falls at 4pm!
True to form, December in Waterstock was the usual mixture of rain, drizzle, wind and ... more rain, but the village still got together to enjoy many events and festive celebrations. On 15th, we came together at St Leonard's for our traditional carol service. Our thanks were given to Carol Tyce and Sara Manisty for keeping the church cleaned and decorated over the past year and Edward and David for keeping us musically and spiritually enriched. Flowers in the church by Wendy added a beautiful festive touch to the proceedings. The service was followed by the village 'bring and share’ supper, ably and generously hosted by Stephen and Janet Shipperley at Home Farm. Through Janet's guidance, a magnificent spread, catering for everyone's needs, always seems to magically appear. Our thanks go to you both for making us all so welcome once again.
Helen MacRitchie held a couple of crafting workshops close to Christmas in her home, to make various fabric Christmas ornaments for the tree. Mulled refreshments and sweetie nibbles were on hand to 'keep up energy and focus'. Everyone had a lot of fun and even went home with some decorations! All monies raised went to the Waterstock village fund supporting our fight against Development plans.
And speaking of which, Henry Manisty has given the following update - There has been a lull in the Inquiry with only one working day in which Michael Tyce represented Waterstock at a round table
discussion, chaired by the Planning Inspector, on whether there is an economic need for the development.This was a session that the developers need to win, but Michael and SODC's witness were highly effective in suggesting there was in fact no need for it at all. There are alternative and more suitable sites in the Science Vale. The Inquiry reopens on 14 January when Nick Edmondson will represent Waterstock at a session focussing on the harm to golf. Whether or not you play golf, please come to support him. Michael Tyce will return the following day for a session on the Green Belt and general planning issues. Angela Rayner's newly published planning revisions will introduce additional
complexity to this issue.
On 12 Dec, a Parish Meeting was held at St Leonard's Church, chaired by Rob Arthur. Briefly the subjects discussed were:
· actions taken following the September flooding e.g. clearing ditches, rebuilding walls, replacing drainage pipes and verge repair outside the church
· update on golf course development and Inquiry
· budget and precept
· future of Waterstock church, future additional uses
Minutes of the meeting were distributed by email to the village shortly after, and can be accessed for more details on the above discussions.
Jane Hanson and Helen were exhibiting their pots and felted textiles respectively, at the Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock during December. This was as part of the Oxfordshire Craft Guild Christmas sale held during Dec, and their thanks go to customers in Waterstock and the surrounding villages who supported them during a busy exhibition. If you missed them in Woodstock (what?!) they'd love to welcome you during May Oxfordshire Artweeks in Waterstock - look out for the signs later this year!
Wishing you all a very Happy NewYear,
Helen MacRitchie
