• RECENTLY Martinstown residents had the virtual reality experience of living with a nose-to-tail volume of traffic, which included far more than the usual assortment of goods vehicles. I had wondered why it took me forever to cross from one side of the road to the other. Not only that but the ESS Fern walk up the local bridleway was most unusually quiet without the roar of traffic along that top road.

Sadly this was due to a traffic diversion due to a nasty accident by the Friary Press buildings. It took this unfortunate incident to make us all realise that it must be the norm for a large number of villages that are situated along a major traffic route.

Definitely a case of counting our blessings, although it is a sobering thought that the problem can only get worse. Meanwhile our thoughts and prayers are with the accident victim and family.

  • SYMPATHIES too with a village resident, John Sugden and family, on the loss of Mona his beloved wife for many years. They were not only parents but had achieved the wonderful status of great grandparents. It was always such a pleasure to meet up with John and Mona when walking through the village or at the Manor Grove Community Centre.
  • FOR most of us our canine companions are an integral part of family life, but even more so for those who cannot get out and about so much these days. Sympathies, therefore, to Sheila who has lost Shandy her canine companion for many years.

He was very special and a real character, peering lovingly from under his shaggy eyebrows, for he was one of a rare breed being a Briend and I only remember this since Napoleon had two of them so maybe he was sensible after all.

  • EARLIER this week quite a few villagers joined Ann and Ron Matthews and friends outside the village hall for a thought provoking ceremony involving a very special flag, which should remind everyone that this week is dedicated to all those unsung heros and heroines. Namely members of our armed forces and support groups who serve in areas of conflict to try and restore peace and security in other countries not necessarily a million miles from home.
  • A LARGE number of events are on the village agenda with the Martinstown Guides holding a coffee evening from 6.30-7.30pm on Thursday, July 2, in the village hall. There will also be an opportunity to order from their Webb Ivory Christmas catalogue as well as make purchases from the cake stall and buy a few raffle tickets too. They need the support of us all.

This year the Martinstown Open Gardens Weekend will take place from noon till 6pm each day on Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12. Adults £2.50 and under 12's free. Free car parking and programmes and maps will be available. Refreshments in the village hall will include soup and a roll, cream teas etc. There will be a Martinstown Through the Years and a Botanical Art exhibition in the hall during the weekend.

Monday, July 13 will see the Martinstown WI holding their monthly meeting at 7.45pm, when they will be guaranteed a most interesting and enlightening talk by Mrs Jill Bryant when she speaks on Lawrence, Lawrence and Moreton Church and this will be followed by a visit to Moreton on August 12 at 3pm. Visitors will be welcome at the meeting.

  • MEANWHILE the WI would like to thank everyone who supported their Made in Martinstown stall held recently in lovely weather on the village green. What a pleasant way to raise those funds so necessary to run the WI. No wonder the treasurer looked so happy. Nice to see Sarah our community officer present.
  • I LIKE to think that a message got to a certain of our county councillors regarding a local bridleway and the fact that it really was becoming somewhat of a battleground to take the dog for a walk. My grateful thanks, for it has been cut and no doubt many other walkers appreciate it as much as I do.

    LASTLY but by no means least, I must add a welcome to John Good, our new vicar, who will no doubt prove a most valuable asset to the Valley community.