The Oak sapling and accompanying plaque planted at The Kennet Valley HallIt had been decided some months ago that a copse of trees should be planted as a living memorial to our fallen in the Great War, covering the four villages that share the Kennet Valley Hall – Fyfield, Lockeridge, West Overton and East Kennett. The whips had been offered by the Woodland Trust, as part of their 10,000 trees project, to commemorate all those Wiltshiremen who set off to war and never came back. The bottom of the Recreation Field was chosen as the site.
For a few years East Kennett church has hosted an occasional homegrown evening of words and music at the Spring and Autumn equinox. Last Tuesday was the sixth such event and as usual it was organised and introduced by Judith Gibbs.
Villagers offer to both choose and read a poem or prose extract. They ranged from Victorian poetry to James Thurber’s memories of his English teacher, and from a poignant poem in French by Prevert, along with its translation, to Conan Doyle’s How the brigadier triumphed in England, read dramatically in a ‘genuine’ French accent. A short piano piece was played in each half and the final item was one of A A Gill’s hilarious restaurant reviews.
The interval refreshments offer an opportunity for villagers to catch up with each other, but non-natives are made equally welcome. Donations help to maintain the church.
Look out for the next one, which will be in March 2018.
The Oak sapling and accompanying plaque planted at The Kennet Valley HallIt had been decided some months ago that a copse of trees should be planted as a living memorial to our fallen in the Great War, covering the four villages that share the Kennet Valley Hall – Fyfield, Lockeridge, West Overton and East Kennett. The whips had been offered by the Woodland Trust, as part of their 10,000 trees project, to commemorate all those Wiltshiremen who set off to war and never came back. The bottom of the Recreation Field was chosen as the site.
