With no January Newsletter, I’ve been reflecting a little about the past year and the 24 that preceded it, as we reach the quarter mark of the 21st Century.
This was prompted in part by a friend and fellow parishioner who asked me about the changes we’ve seen in our little corner of the world in recent years, as we stood commemorating those from the village who gave their lives for us in two World Wars. How is the village now? Have the changes been positive? Why is there nowhere to park? Do we still have a good community spirit? All leading questions to which I haven’t got one answer.
What I see is that Cuddesdon & Denton is a good place to live. It’s not a cheap place to live and there are only two buses a week, but we have a thriving community, a pub, an active Village Hall constantly putting on events and the College which remains an institution that puts our Parish on the map. It also provides a turnover of spirited young people that make our annual fete the best in the area and a brilliant village event when we all come together every May.
As this century continues to confuse, bemuse and often outpace many of us, the other big parish event that continues to keep us rooted in time is Bonfire Night. I have so many people to thank for making sure that this continues, so here goes: Graham Sellar, Paul Sellar, Richard Palmer, Jez Turner and Mobbs of Wheatley for all the work on the Bonfire itself and the pyrotechnics… to Natasha Turner, Therese Luke, Lousia Vincent, Philip Spinks, Sue Sellar, Marion West, Dee Murray, Cricks Butchers and the Bat and Ball for making sure there’s food and drink in the village hall and that our muddy boot marks are removed afterwards. You’re all troopers and allow us to continue getting the village together, just as other events do throughout the year. Thank you.
The next event that the Parish Council organises is ‘Carols Around The Tree’. As I write there is no Christmas tree yet (working on it!), but we hope to see you at 5pm on Sunday 21st December on Cuddesdon Green for a few carols, a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine.
I know there are a number of issues that are concerning to parishioners at the moment, whether the Oxford Congestion Charge, fly tipping, public safety or parking in the village. We do discuss them at our meetings and we don’t always have the power to solve them, but it is your forum so please do keep contacting us on the PC email address with any queries - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or contact one of us directly.
As always, everyone is welcome at our next meetings on 2nd December and then on 6th January both at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.
If you are reading this, then you have survived not only the first quarter of the 21st Century but now a full page of rambling prose from me as well. You have earned a nipperkin (see wreath on Cuddesdon Green!), so please raise a glass with me as I wish you a very Happy Christmas and a Brilliant New Year.
Best wishes,
Chris
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