Highlights from
The Villager
April/May 2007
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Henry James – Mary James |
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Henry
James Henry loved Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, where he lived for nearly 30 years. He was on the Parochial Church Council, serving as treasurer and being in charge of the covenants. It was therefore fitting that we should hold his funeral in St Agatha’s and I am very grateful for the help and support I had from the Churchwardens, Derek Nightingale and the Revd David Rice in arranging this. Henry would have enjoyed the music and the choir. I should also like to thank our friends in the village for the many cards and letters of sympathy I received about Henry. Several people mentioned his cycling through the village in his shorts and long stockings. I know this is how he would like to be remembered. Mary JamesAt The Villager we were particularly saddened to learn of the death of Henry James as he was a frequent contributor to the Letters section of The Villager. His interesting and often amusing comments and observations were much appreciated. As a tribute to his memory here is one of his letters from April/May 1998.
Dear Editor Brightwell School :An Inspector Calls Brightwell is a good, friendly and caring school with some outstanding features – and that’s official! Before, it was the ‘brown envelope’ and an anxious wait that could last up to six months. Now, under reformed measures aimed at de-stressing the process, it’s the ‘dreaded phone call’ to announce their arrival the following week. It’s like exchanging being counted out at the end of ten gruelling rounds of boxing for a knockout blow in the first round- they both hurt, but one puts you out of your misery a lot quicker. Yes, the school underwent an inspection by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted), almost four years to the day from its last. A major difference in the process is that the report (available to the public at www.ofsted.gov.uk) now includes a letter addressed to pupils. In that letter, the Inspector, Mr Christopher Parker, told them, “You go to a good school and are able to learn in a friendly atmosphere where the adults take good care of you. You behave well and listen carefully to each others views”. He added that the children made good progress through teaching that was interesting and lively, encouraging them to discuss important issues such as improving the environment. Further, that the school had made secure improvements since the last inspection, including the wider use of ICT to support teaching and learning. He stated also that over the last few years, standards have been high at the end of year six, with those in science being exceptionally high. His ideas for raising standards in writing, from good to very good were welcomed by teaching staff. Several aspects of school life received special praise: the “very strong and effective guidance” provided by a governing body that works in close partnership with the school and its leaders; the strong partnership with parents; our children’s mature contributions to discussions on religion, environmental conflict, current affairs and their excellent understanding of the importance of staying fit and healthy. I extend my thanks and gratitude to the whole-school staff, children, parents and governors for their wonderful contribution to our successes. My thanks also go to parent Nicola Lidstone, whose report to the local press forms the basis of this article. It is a good report but there is no room for complacency. Already we are planning the improvements that will move our school onwards and upwards. Roger Grant The main news from Allsorts is that we have received a fantastic Ofsted inspection report. This is our first inspection since we moved to the new building and is an official recognition of the learning that the children achieve. Two inspectors spent two full days with the staff and children observing their daily activities. Regarding the environment and children's experience of the new building they commented. "Children enjoy daily fresh air, whatever the weather. They develop their physical skills well. They learn to 'warm up' their bodies before exercising...Children use secure, purpose-built premises. These are bright and welcoming for both children and their parents. Facilities for those with physical disabilities are included. Children play in a suitably laid out playroom. They benefit from ready access to the outdoor area and from using some of the adjacent school's facilities. They use high quality, well maintained resources, many of which are new...Children play in safety, with staff supervising them closely at all times." The inspectors also recognised that, "Warm, caring relationships exist throughout the pre-school. Older children are actively encouraged to care for younger ones and newcomers. All, including volunteers, are valued in this small, friendly pre-school. Staff know the children extremely well and provide high levels of individual support for all. This includes children with learning difficulties and physical disabilities, together with children learning English as an additional language. Children play in a room surrounded by positive images of diversity. Children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is fostered." We feel that the inspectors comments were fair and that they highlighted many of the areas of which we are most proud. The building is fantastic, but it is only part of what we offer. Allsorts aims to offer children a great start in education. We are proud to be part of the Village community and would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helps us to achieve this. As ever, should you wish to learn more about what we do and about the care we offer please do not hesitate to contact Hilary Smith at the Preschool (telephone 01491 826387). Natasha Fuller The Brightwell-cum-Sotwell web site will celebrate its third birthday in May – and by then, we hope to be well on the way to a major revamp. As Villager readers may be aware, we have been running an on-line survey since the Autumn. Although we attract 100-150 visits a day, only 28 survey responses have been received. This limits the value of statistical analysis, but has helped us realise what our priorities need to be
1) Design
2) Content
This has always been a popular idea. However, on-line forums are open to everyone with internet access (anyone can supply a valid e-mail address), and we don’t have the resources for full-time monitoring. When we revamp the site, we may be able to have "members-only" message boards for individual organisations. Incidentally, the existing Notice Board for small ads - reached via the Village Life page - is woefully under-used. Do people think this is worth keeping? All comments and contributions gratefully received at Sally Dugan or Myron Edwards Myron Edwards and Sally Dugan
1929
1947
1962/63 1981/82 Arctic weather set in, in early December. Many tree branches were broken down by the weight of the snow. Deep snow from 8 January to the 15 January. One night in Oxfordshire recorded the lowest temperature ever – minus 20 C.
2007 March 2nd 2007, a fine Spring morning with a bit of warmth in the sun but, sadly, no reason to walk into the orchard to see who is flying today. It is a quite a wrench not to have any bees after nearly 60 years of having them around. However, being sensible, I realise how lucky I have been to be able to keep them for such a long time. My father had a couple of hives during the 1939 – 45 war, - I think he kept them purely for their sugar ration, he certainly knew very little about them. When I came home after being in the WRNS he said to me “ Now you can look after the bees”. I knew nothing about them either, but after a little instruction from a nearby beekeeper I made a start. I have had a hive or two ever since until bidding them farewell last autumn. Before we settled down in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell we had quite an itinerant life so I have kept bees in Barnet, with the railway at the bottom of the garden. A move from there to Kent gave them wonderful countryside to visit. I remember clearly our move from Kent to Hampshire when somehow or other we persuaded the removal chaps to lower the van tail board and strap our hive, complete with bees, on the back. They arrived quite safely at their new home. In Winchester we became very good friends with our neighbours, Bob and Ros, and are still, nearly 50 years later. Bob became very interested in my bees and Ros always said we would never elope, being two Geminis, we would never get ourselves organised, always having to sort out the bees first. Needless to say Bob soon had his own hives and in due course, introduced his son to beekeeping. When we were moved north for a couple of years he kindly looked after my stocks and returned them to me when we arrived in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell 38 years ago. He has just retired from the post of Chairman of Winchester Beekeepers to become their President, more prestigious and less work! I am not sure when oilseed rape first became an important crop for farmers but it is since living here that my crop of honey has increased enormously. The fact that it is also a very good area for fruit growing has contributed greatly to honey production. The wild trees, horse chestnut, wild cherry and lime help to produce the wonderful mixture that the bees enjoy first and then allow us to gather. Not unconnected with the increased productivity is the fact that I joined the South Chilterns Beekeepers Association whose members have a vast store of knowledge which they generously pass on and are always ready with a helping hand when needed. This is something that I have really appreciated during the Summer of 2006. Viola Crowe |