The Grapevine MagazineFebruary 2005 Issue No 197 |
Letter |
Tribute for Stephen by Robert Clarke - at his service of thanksgiving on 14 January 2005
It is just over four months since I had the privilege of standing in this pulpit to pay tribute to my sister-in-law Gladys. It is perhaps no surprise to any of us that Stephen has passed on so soon after his wife. Their relationship was a very loving one and they were inseparable.
Stephen's greatest wish after Gladys's death was to join her in heaven. Their strong Christian faith left them in no doubt of life after this world's passing and that they would be joining together in the great adventure thereafter.
Stephen was very well aware that his death would bring great sadness to his devoted children and grandchildren and this caused him great concern. But he is now where he wanted to be and we are glad for him.
Stephen was born on the 29 September 1921 to Cyrus and Ann Harper. Cyrus came from a long line of Shropshire farmers and his father Samuel helped him to buy a farm at Snowford near Leamington just after the First World War.
It was a very tough time for farming and sadly their first two children little girls Muriel and Joan did not survive infancy. When Stephen came along a thriving, bouncing boy, he was greeted with great joy. He was the first of six surviving children - four boys and two daughters. It was clear from an early age that he was an exceptional boy - intelligent, handsome and something special about him.
There are three stories about his childhood that you may like to hear and for these I am indebted to his sister Millie and brother Peter.
1. On coming home after his first day at school, aged 5, he proudly announced that he had kissed two girls, had a fight and won a scholarship. Clearly he was already beginning to make his mark.
2. Life at Snowford was not without danger for an adventurous boy like Stephen. When he was 7 he fell into the local canal. Unable to swim, he was just going down for a third time when his friend Donald Baldwin who was handicapped with a deformed arm rescued him. They remained the closest of friends for the rest of their lives and Stephen's father gave Donald a new bicycle for saving his son's life.
3. The next crisis occurred when a school friend rushed into the house at Snowford with the words "Mr Harper, Stephen is hanging in the barn". Fortunately when his father got there he was only hanging by his foot.
His sister Millie well remembers being given a new doll's pram when she was 5 of which she was very proud, only to find when she woke up one morning that the wheels had been purloined by Stephen to make a go-cart In spite of episodes such as this his brothers and sisters adored their eldest brother who helped them in so many ways. He taught his youngest brother Sam to walk when he was having great difficulty and in Millie's words he was a great pacifier of his sister Evelyn's crying when she was a baby. Perhaps the greatest service Stephen performed for his siblings was when their mother died. Stephen was 19. The family was distraught and Stephen came to the rescue of his brothers and sisters, showing them great kindness and care and virtually acting as a second father. None has ever forgotten this and I have often heard them refer to it over the years.
At this juncture Stephen had already met Gladys and had set his heart on winning her. They were both at the Central School and sang in the Spencer Street Choir
Fortunately for Stephen his love was reciprocated and they married at Spencer Street in 1943. So began one of the happiest and most fulfilled relationships I have ever witnessed. They were blessed with five children Robert, Anna, Simon, Carol and Martin and in due course by fourteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
What an attractive couple they were. Gladys was a beautiful girl, highly intelligent and always immaculately dressed and there was Stephen on his motorbike with his winning manner and Clarke Gable looks. They were a very glamorous couple and were seen as such. Their great sadness was Gladys' increasing deafness, but in many ways I feel this brought them even closer together.
Stephen needed to build a career to provide for Gladys and their growing family. Sadly there was no long-term future at Snowford. His father had found it necessary to sell the farm in the depression years and had become a tenant. The new landlord made it clear that it would not be possible for his sons to take over on his retirement - unlike, of course, the practise that pertains today. Stephen tried several jobs and made a real success of his key one at Lockhead, which was engaged in war work.
After the war he dutifully heeded a call from his father to come back to the farm to support him and his brother Peter; and Stephen made a great success of this introducing modern farm mechanisation and new methods. But it was clear that he would have to move on to provide for the future and he knew that his brother would hold the fort at home.
After managing farms for some years he and Gladys came to Lewknor in 1960 in their own right - 45 years ago and what a happy move that was - they loved their farm. More than half their lives were spent here and they lived in their bungalow when they retired from farming. Stephen always said that Lewknor enriched their lives and there was no question that they in their turn enriched Lewknor. He was very much part of the village life and of his church. Respected by all and always ready and willing to help anyone.
All Stephen and Gladys' children and grandchildren adored them and this was reciprocated by them. He and Gladys were always there for their family. But Stephen could also be firm when necessary. Anna tells me that when she was 18 she had to be home by 9pm and would find her father waiting for her at the end of the drive. What a welcome contrast to the standards of today.
It is good to see the devotion Anna, Carol, Robert, Martin and Simon showed to their parents. They knew that they wanted to end their lives in Lewknor, which they loved so much, rather than in an old people's home. They and their parents made whatever sacrifices were necessary to achieve this and I cannot praise too highly the dedication they showed which was for love not duty.
When I last stood here four months ago speaking for Gladys I spoke about love. St Paul had it right, "To love and be loved is the most precious thing in the world". Whether it is the love between husbands and wives, parents and children, siblings or partners. Stephen always showed great love to us all and wonderful generosity of spirit. He was a good man with, in his brother Peter's words, a distinctive and magnetic aura and a pleasing unassuming presence. He always cared about the needs of others, even when he himself was suffering. We shall all miss him dreadfully especially his darling family whom he adored, as they did him. We are truly poorer for his death, but so very much richer for his example. Indeed, he is a shining example to us all.
'I am writing to you about the article "Faith and Foxhunting" published on the front page of November - December 2004 Thame Valley Church News.
I am a newcomer to the village, and a foreigner to this country. It has astounded me, not only that a group of people in this country take part in an activity that involves killing animals for sport, but also, that the church would promote this as a worthwhile activity for Christians to take part in.
Up until now I have been interested in reading village publications that come through my door. However, I do not wish to receive publications that support a distasteful activity that is soon to be made illegal. If the church continues to engage in such political issues, I no longer wish to be the recipient of its news.
I would like this letter to be published in the next issue of Grapevine.'
Watlington Hospital Charitable Trust and Sanctuary Care are in discussion re setting up a Patients Fund Raising Committee and you will be kept informed of any developments.
The new Care Home is already providing a vital service to the Community and deserves our continued support and help in the future.
Many thanks to everyone and thanks also to Eileen, Heather and Paul for their kind help.
Barbara Mullins
It is possible that this reduction is an accurate reflection of demographic changes but it is also possible that some people may have neglected to action their annual registration form or that they have arrived in the parish since they were distributed.
County Council elections are scheduled for 5 May 2005; a national election is also on the cards for this year and there is always the possibility of a referendum on something or other. To vote, you must be on the register. If in doubt, find out. Call SODC''s Electoral Registration Officer on 01491 823651 or the Clerk of the Parish Council (Jeff Jefford) on 01844 281449.
St Margaret's Parish Church, Lewknor
The Christmas coffee morning was held on Tuesday, 30th November 2004 by kind permission of Mrs Andrew Gordon.We are pleased to be able to report that we raised £193.00 during the course of the morning and would like to thank all those who helped to run this event, presented raffle prizes and brought gifts along to be sold.
We are extremely grateful to Mrs Gordon for so kindly hosting this event once more. Proceeds will make a useful contribution to the funds for the restoration of the church.
St Margaret's Church
The event is to take place from Friday, 24 June 2005 until Sunday, 26 June. The children at Lewknor School will be producing their own display relating to baptisms in the church on the Friday and will be taking part in a 'Christening Service' to which we hope Bishop Colin and their parents will be invited. On Saturday, 25 June, the display of christening robes will be open to the public at the church and in the evening there will be a concert in the church. On Sunday, there will be a special service to which we hope to invite as many people as we can trace who have been christened at St Margaret's.
I have already had several offers of christening gowns but would like to have more particularly if they are from previous generations and have been made by family members. I would like to include in the display any photographs taken at the christenings and if you have any items of baby clothes, caps bonnets, christening gifts or mementos, and small pieces of children's furniture or toys particularly if they are from an older generation. If you have anything which you think may be of interest, please contact me as follows:
Elan Preston-Whyte,
'Knysna', Hill Road, Lewknor
Tel: 01844 350382
We have read two very different books for our last meetings, the first was 'The Lady and the Unicorn' by Tracy Chevalier and the other was 'Small Island' by Andrea Levy. 'The Lady and the Unicorn' describes the making of six mediaeval tapestry panels by Brussels weavers. Those of us who had enjoyed Chevalier's 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' felt that 'The Lady' showed the same economy of writing as 'Girl' with the detailed description of the weaving process taking the place of the painting techniques of Vermeer but with more sex.
'Small Island' was a revelation. By the time we discussed it the author had not only won the 2004 Orange Prize but also the Whitbread Novel Prize and has been strongly tipped to win the overall Whitbread book of the Year. It is the story of four people, a West Indian couple who meet and marry in Jamaica and leave to live in post-war London, and a white British woman whoes husband makes an appearance late in the book. The background of the novel is based on the author's own family and its authenticity shines through. The dialogue is so good you can hear the Caribbean inflections as you read and it is at the same time one of the funniest but saddest books we have discussed. Highly recommended!
The February book is Joseph O'Connor's 'Star of the Sea' and for March we are reading 'The Time Traveller's Wife' by Audrey Niffenegger.
The Book club has been invited to take part in a Radio 4 recording in which Stephen Fry will participate to discuss his 1993 book 'Hippopotamus'. The actual programme will be broadcast on Sunday, 6 March, at 4.00pm. Our membership has now risen to eight. If you are interested in joining the group, please contact me on 350382.
Elan Preston-Whyte
Lewknor Pre-School would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year. We would also like to thank Hayley and her team for a fantastic and entertaining nativity play! An event many parents will cherish for the years to come.
We welcome Joanna Hawkes and Heather Nixey who have joined us for our first term in 2005. Our main topic for this term is 'Fairy Tales'. We will be looking at a different story each week and enjoying lots of exciting related activities. We will also reflect the topic of Lewknor Primary School, which is 'caring'. This will involve discussing caring for ourselves, our friends and our environment.
Request - we would be extremely grateful for any Arts and Crafts donations. We would especially welcome any donations of unwanted wallpaper, drawing paper, pens etc.
For all enquiries regarding admission to the pre-school please contact Ali Griffiths on - 01844 352330.
The years 4, 5 and 6 are going to be out and about in the village. They are filming, editing and producing for their project on our village to find out how it has changed over the years as well as childhood memories of school. Years 5 and 6 will be also going on a Partnership Field Week to a PCL Centre at Hindhead, Surrey.
The children had a non-emergency visit from the Fire Service with their engine for a talk about care with fire, matches and candles etc. There was exploration of the engine and hoses too.
The Village Hall is being used in the afternoons to teach Music and Movement. Also a new after school club has started - Judo for all ages - foundation to Year 6.
NEWSFLASH IMPORTANT DATES
2nd February, 1.30-3pm The school is holding an Open Afternoon. Please feel free to visit our school, see the children at work, meet the teachers and governors.
4th February FRIENDS OF LEWKNOR SCHOOL are holding the annual Auction of Promises - one of their major fund-raising events. Promises of all kinds, material and things that money can't buy, are welcome or please come along on the evening. If you can't be present, our auctioneer will accept sealed or telephone bids!
The children were deeply affected by the Tsunami disaster and wanted to do something to raise money for the victims. A Bring and Buy Sale was quickly arranged. It was a huge success and raised over £280 for the DEC Tsunami Earthquake Appeal. So thanks once again to everyone who donated toys and books and to all the parents who produced signs, baked, donated and spent money.
Please note that you don't always receive an acknowledgement for e-mails. The application no. Is PO5/E0014//ret,, which you must quote. It cannot be emphasized enough how important it is to register comments, so please write if you can.
LCP is meeting on Monday 31st January to discuss the application and send back comments, the meeting is being held at the Jubilee Hall at 7.30pm and you are welcome to attend.
Entrants must be Oxfordshire residents. Entry fee: £2 (under-16 entrants in non-fiction and poetry categories, free).
Send SAE for full details and entry form to :
DWG Competition,
26 the Daedings,
Deddington, OXON OX15 0RT;
or contact: daeda@clara.co.uk closing date: April 16th.
This is a reminder to keep all garages, outbuildings and sheds secure at all times.
If you are able to help in the initial process of getting the Community Shop up and running and then able to help in the management of the shop thereafter then please do make contact. If there is no further interest by 28th February then unfortunately we will have to abandon the idea of setting up a community managed village shop.
The shop is currently being advertised to let by Fields, but as yet there has been little interest.
Robin Notley
If you can answer yes to either or both questions, then we don't need to explain ourselves. Last summer, the Parish Council at Lane End asked some local residents to monitor an ongoing study by the Highways Agency, entitled 'A40/M40 Route Management Strategy' (A40/M40 RMS). Our activity has since attracted interest and support from individuals, Parish Councils and Residents Associations from Tetsworth to Loudwater, representing over 20,000 people who live along the M40. Today's technologies, principally modern surfaces and acoustic barriers, are widely used elsewhere and significantly reduce noise. Our goal is to extend these benefits to the very intrusive section of the M40, between Jn. 3 and Jn 7, that was originally designed to bypass Wycombe. To date we have concentrated on getting our views across to the Highways Agency, to our local authorities and our local MPs. We have the support of David Lidington (MP for Aylesbury) and Paul Goodman (MP for Wycombe). With the finalisation of the A40/M40 RMS early next year, we expect a more intensive and public phase of the activity.
We will need your support! Let us know if you support what we are doing, by a note to Boris Johnson, to Robin Notley at Lewknor Parish Council, by phone to Ken Edwards (01494 881266) or a response to our web-site www.M40-Chilterns.org.uk In addition, we would welcome practical help. For example:
What do you know about: environmental issues? Road making? Road traffic? Safety?
Would you: attend a meeting? Distribute leaflets? Sign a petition?
Please let us know.
The particular beauty of shrubs that bloom in winter lies in their fragrance. The fact that their flowers are much smaller than spring and summer blooms means they rely on a powerful scent to attract insects - bringing a winter bonus for gardeners. To breath life into your garden with winter scent, here are some of our favourite flowering shrubs.
For structure at the back of a border, one of the most beautiful upright flowering shrubs is Viburnum x bodnantense Dawn. This reliable star performer bears heavily scented dark pink flowers on its bare winter branches, which turn lighter as the season progresses and the toothed young bronze leaves start to appear. Chinese Witch Hazel, or Hamamelis mollis is another reliable favourite which will produce its distinctive sweet smelling spidery blooms in sun or shade. Able to grow up to three metres, it's a good choice for larger gardens.
For something more compact try a Daphne. Odora Aureomarginata is one of the most fragrant. Or you could try Daphne mezereum. Sometimes called the February Daphne, this shade loving woodland plant with densely clustered lilac and violet flowers is a favourite in cottage gardens.
If you are looking for a plant with a lower, spreading habit, Corylopsis pauciflora or Winter Hazel is highly graceful and worthy of space to spread its dense branches. Breathtaking in spring, it bears two or three primrose yellow flowers on short tassels which smell deliciously of cowslips.
For something perhaps a little more showy, you can't go wrong with a Mahonia. Apollo is a fairly compactvariety and produces large heads of bright yellow flowers in early spring. Or, for a more upright option and which flower a little earlier, try Charity or Winter Sun both of which look particularly striking at the back of borders. The bonus is the heady scent carried on the breeze from the long spikes of flowers.
Finally, something which many gardeners would consider too tender for our winter gardens is the beautiful Mimosa with its silvery leaves and long fragrant flower heads. Don't think you need to confine yours to the conservatory. Our large specimens stayed out all winter and produced masses of flowers for us earlier this year. You might just want to try it if you have a sheltered spot and a taste for the unusual!