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News from the History Centre – September & October
As we enter Autumns’ season of mists and mellow fruitfulness and the evenings are drawing in so the sightings are noting these changes.
This correspondent has just returned from visiting the southern hemisphere with senses overloaded with colour and sound but there is no place like home for the fresh greens, newly ploughed fields and autumnal hues just touching our countryside.
The blackberries are well over but dog-rose hips, hawthorns and hazel nuts are providing food stores for resident wildlife. The squirrels have finished my crop of hazel nuts but the garden shrubs are ablaze with berries including  the holly trees. Let’s hope this does not herald a hard winter!
Conkers are falling and their glimmering chestnut glow may deter the spiders indoors but not upset the intricate patterned worker on my greenhouse door as it wraps up a tangled Daddy Long Legs!
A young Barn Owl and has been seen and we hope this is one of the ringed fledglings from earlier in the year.
The Kingfisher has been photographed with all its distinct plumage and both Ravens and Buzzards have been seen and heard regularly.
Closer to the ground, we have had sightings of Common Toads and perhaps snatching the last of the summer rays, an Adder basking close to the road in Chapel Lane.
Inside The Centre we have been having regular working parties, usually on the first Monday of the month and the chats about local history are fascinating and very helpful in archiving the many photos, articles and pieces of local information.
Most recently these included reminiscences of the Butchers shop at Bellevue, North Hill where Sidney Wooder was in charge in 1950’s-60’s followed by John Vale. Always a meeting point in walking distance of many and a friendly way of catching up on local news. How we miss the sense of community that offered.
We are delighted to be setting up a permanent display of the work of local artists William Washington, Master Engraver and his son Robert Washington, Painter and Potter.
We will be working on displays and continue Archiving sessions during our closed time, December- March and would welcome volunteers who would like to join us.
We are very pleased to welcome new volunteer, Paula, a newcomer to the area who saw the ‘Open’ sign when passing and has become a valued helper.
There is plenty to do and you will be very welcome!   Just contact us or drop in at Open Times until December;      Wednesday 2-4pm, Thursday 10-12noon, Sunday 2-4pm  aibharker@gmail.com    mel@mel-thompson.co.uk    cuckoosfarm@hotmail.comThe