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Sunday Reflection

Since the introduction of restrictive measures to combat the Coronavirus pandemic, Hambledon website has invited village organisations to reflect on life under extraordinary circumstances. This week we hear from Camilla Edmiston on behalf of the Book Club.

There is something truly magical about losing yourself in a really good book. Never more so than in the current strange times in which we find ourselves.

As part of the Merry Book Club I have loved the opportunity to sometimes be challenged to read different things – books I would never have chosen but have then really enjoyed. Or sometimes not.

However, it is still a revelation and creates interesting conversations when we meet and discuss who likes what and why.

Talking to people I know, there are those who have struggled to concentrate to read books in the current situation. Some have found they can enjoy audio books. I have found myself picking up all sorts of random books and sitting in the sunshine to devour them. It helps to transport me elsewhere, to imagine faraway places or to be grateful for all that I have, and to really appreciate friends and family.

I am missing our meetings at the Merry Harriers where we would normally spend a convivial evening, catching up over some supper before talking about the current book and exchanging ideas for others we have read or would like to.

We are much more a ‘supper club’ that talks about books, very relaxed and informal. Members come even if they have not finished or read the book – provided they don’t mind a ‘spoiler’. Like so many other groups, we have resorted to virtual meetings, It has been great to ‘see’ each other and catch up, but we are all missing the relaxed atmosphere at the Harriers.

Our most recent book, The Lido by Libby Page, made me think about our wonderful village. It is a beautifully written, evocative tale of community. Gently told but showing how in times of crisis everyone rallies around.

In our little village we see concern for neighbours, assistance where needed or just a friendly ‘hello’

I feel so blessed to live here and to regularly see how good people are to each other.

 

 

 

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Sunday Reflection

Philip Underwood, a member of the Hambledon Ramblers, contributed the Sunday Reflection this week.

I must confess to an addiction, one that I have had for over 20 years. It is to see as much as I can of the Purple Emperor, a butterfly affectionately known as “His Majesty”. It was because of this addiction that I missed the first of the Rambler’s short walks since lockdown.

That day, whilst in the middle of the Chiddingfold Forest, sitting on my little seat, I started thinking. This was nature at its best. It was hot, very sunny and I was surrounded by Wood Whites, White Admirals and Silver Washed Fritillaries. All I wanted was a Purple Emperor to appear…and I am happy to say that it did, some 3 times.

But sitting on my seat I realised how much I was missing our monthly rambles.

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Hambledon Art Fair is now open!

                       

The Village Hall Committee are very pleased to welcome you to our second professional art fair. Please click on the link www.hambledonartfair.co.uk to view a wide variety of beautiful artwork by our local artists. You will have the opportunity to purchase work directly from the artists.

We hope you enjoy the fair and we look forward to welcoming you back to the village hall as soon as we are able.

   

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Hambledon Village Shop – Update Friday 3 July 2020

Progress sometimes seems slow, but progress is being made. From Saturday 4th July customers can consume food and drink at the shop’s picnic tables.

The tables have been given some tender loving care and placed suitably distanced from each other on as level ground as can be found. Tim Coleman did a fine job of manicuring the grass. Thanks to all who helped with the tables today, we all agreed it is a lovely spot to sit, next to the pond, looking out on the Cricket Green, some in the sun, some in the shade, we’ve probably all taken it for granted in the past.

To remind you of where we are with the shop right now:

  • the Shop is now open 7 days a week 8:30am to 12:30pm for grocery orders and take-away food and drink
  • customers are currently not allowed to enter the shop but can place orders from outside the front of the shop
  • the Shop is still operating a delivery service on Monday’s, Thursday’s and Friday’s, for more information on deliveries see the shop’s website at https://hambledonvillageshop.co.uk/
  • the Post Office at the Shop is open between 9:30am and 12:30pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays only.

Newspapers are no longer being delivered and should be collected from the Shop.

Thanks very much to our newspaper deliverers, The Paper Girls, who for the last three months have turned up dutifully, despite the occasional hangover, to put inane drivel through letter boxes. They will not lose touch with each other as they have now decided to form a band. Many Hambledon Festivals await.

And finally, many thanks to John Whittall for the lovely picture of the Shop shown at the top of this post. It’s now on display above Edna and Sylvia’s usual table in the shop. At the moment only those of us in the shop get to enjoy it. Hopefully soon we’ll progress beyond that.

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Merry Harriers Reopens on Saturday

Lock-down restrictions across the UK will be further relaxed this Saturday, July 4th, allowing for the reopening of pubs and restaurants as long as safety measures are in place and enforced.

In Hambledon, The Merry Harriers will reopen at midday, just over 100 days since it was required to close.

Behind the scenes, general manager Jake Andreou has been working hard to ensure the pub can comply with detailed government guidelines to protect staff, locals and staying guests from the risk of contracting the Covid-19 virus.

A member of staff will meet and greet customers arriving at the main entrance. The new measures will be explained, any questions answered, and a contact taken for individuals or for one member if in a small group. Drinks can be ordered at the bar, which has a Perspex screen installed, and will be delivered to you at a table. Payment will be by card.

A one-way system will be in place and customers will enter and leave by different doors. Tables and benches – inside and in the garden areas – have been situated to ensure correct social distancing can be maintained. A marquee has been erected on the boules court and this may also have a bar for outside drinkers.

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Sunday Reflection

Simon Willetts, Associate Vicar at St Peter’s Church Hambledon, contributed the Sunday Reflection this week.

During lockdown I have enjoyed watching what I believe to be a buzzard take its regular flight down the valley, over the village green and beyond.  It never ceases to amaze me just how effortless, graceful and serene it looks as it soars.

Christian Celtic spirituality has a close relationship with nature. Spotting a bird of prey in flight was/is often interpreted as a positive vision for the future. A confirmation perhaps that the pilgrim is on the right path.  It’s easy to see how the Celtic Christians came to these interpretations, imagine how far ahead you can see from the top of a thermal.

Whatever our belief or spirituality there is much that can be learnt as we reflect on these inspiring creatures. 

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