The Parish Magazine
July '25
BERWICK ST JAMES
CHURCH NEWS
In July we have our two usual services – Holy communion at 09.30amon Sunday 6th July and Matins at 11.00a.m on Sunday 20th.
In addition, we very much look forward to the wedding of Lulu Bailey and Sam Jobling, being held at Berwick St James church on the afternoon of Saturday 19th July.
BERWICK VILLAGE FAYRE – Sunday 8th June 2025
Delaying our event by 24 hours due to poor weather forecasted for Saturday 7th June paid-off, as Sunday was a lovely dry day. Despite the short notice of change of day and the road closure due to bridge repair, we had a fine turnout of adults and children from Berwick and beyond who gave so generously toward the event. The day gave everyone the opportunity to get together and have some fun. We are very grateful to Olivia Marchant for allowing us to use her lovely riverside garden for the event. There are countless volunteers to thank who worked hard to make it a successful day plus many who generously donated plants, bottles and items for the Auctions, without whom this event could not happen. Monies raised by the various stalls, fun competitions and teas/cakes came to £1002. The Auctions, in aid of Wilton Riding for the Disabled Association, raised a further £1420. Carolyn MacDougall
We would all like to thank Carolyn very much for all her hard work and organization – and especially for making the difficult decision to postpone for one day. It was all a great success, and great fun.
TEA and CAKE and CHAT in the READING ROOM
Great Chats in May – more in June! The next Tea and Chats are on Tuesday June 3rd and Tuesday June 17th, in the Reading Room from 2.30pm. Everyone very much welcome. The provisional dates for August are 5th and 19th.
We had a great time at the June Tea and Cake and Chats, with lots of friends to chat to, and lovely cakes – especially the Coffee and Walnut!
LOCAL HISTORY
Last month I wrote about Richard Alexander Saunderson, who died in the Second World War.
His parents were Richard and Alice (nee Fletcher). Richard and Alice were married in 1905 at Paddington in London. They lived in Notting Hill, and in Ladbroke Square London where Richard (the elder) was the secretary to a charitable society. Richard Alexander was born at Kensington in October 1916, having a brother and three sisters also born there.
Richard and Alice had moved to Godwins House by 1939, Richard had retired and their son John Somerset Saunderson was a Pig and Poultry farmer. Both Richard and Alice died in 1951, and it appears that John moved around that time, probably to Farnham in Surrey where he died in 1983.
Geoffrey and Beatrice Sykes were living in Godwins House by 1955, and they were well known and respected chicken farmers.
If anyone has any more information I would be very interested to hear it. Written and researched by Nicky Street.
WILDLIFE WATCH
With the warm spring, and now the welcome rain (hopefully not too much!) the wild flowers are in full bloom. Many thanks to all who have taken part in “No mow May”.
Knapweed Broomrape is near the kissing gate to Winterbourne Stoke, and also by the hedge on the track passed the Cricket Pitch. Knapweed Broomrape is a fascinating rare parasitic plant, dependant on Greater Knapweed. Also a good number of Pyramidal Orchids on Berwick Hill farm
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