So, our apology for a summer has faded along with the memories of Olympics, Paralympics and even the floods that afflicted the village and surrounding area.

A few properties are still being renovated but most have been restored to their former glory.

Now autumn is upon us and various evenings of entertainment are being advertised, persuading us to leave the sofa comfort zone and the delights of the numerous TV channels that have invaded our screens since we went digital! Enough said about that!

The monthly Community Lunch continues to tickle the taste buds of the diners who regularly turn up for such feasts as lasagne, beef with orange and walnuts, Terry Hearing’s casserole and Jane Jones’ truly scrumptious puddings, all extremely yummy and only £5. Bargain!

The next lunch will take place on Friday November 2.

Next time you visit the Village Hall, take time to inspect the range of displays that now, thanks to the efforts of the chairman of the village hall committee, adorn the walls. Graham Herbert’s portraits of many well-known village personalities were particularly stunning. The latest will be an exhibition of Geraldine Canniford’s work.

Her paintings and sketches reflect local landscapes such as the Fleet and views from Coryates.

Another date for diaries is Saturday October 27 when the Patchwork Theatre Company, fresh from the Edinburgh festival, are presenting an original comedy entitled ‘Titanic sinks Titswill’ featuring the one and only Martinstown born and bred Jenny Jenkins.

And now it’s Panto time again. Auditions done, parts allocated and rehearsals have begun. The performance of ‘Arabian Knights’ will take place on Friday and Saturday, February 22 and 23. Tickets will be available in the New Year.

Further details of activities can be found in the new look Parish magazine. Well done, Graham Herbert!