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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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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Sunday Reflection

The Sunday Reflection this week has been contributed by Ged Hockeridge and Judith Crowhurst, members of the Merry Harriers Bridge Group.

On Wednesday 21st February 2018, Judith Crowhurst began the daunting task of teaching some of the residents of Hambledon the intricacies of Bridge.  Word spread quickly (well, it is Hambledon) and the original four swelled to a dozen or more regulars, possibly encouraged by the venue being the snug of the Merry Harriers.  The Group soon became a Wednesday night fixture at the pub – until the Covid-19 lockdown on March 23rd.  However, the small fact that we were no longer able to physically meet wasn’t going to stop us!

Judith soon tracked down an internet app called Trickster Cards that could allow the Group to move into the virtual world. A week after lockdown four of us had a test game to understand how the app worked and how to use the technology, especially video.  To start with we used ZOOM video on our mobiles and Trickster Bridge on a laptop.  It was a pretty complicated set up – but it worked. 

On the 15th April all of the Group were invited to play and 13 signed up.  That was over 10 weeks ago and we now regularly have 3 or 4 tables and up to 18 players (some couples occasionally double up).  The Merry Harriers Bridge Group must now be the biggest regular virtual online group in Hambledon – or is there another? 

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Sunday Reflection

Paul Vacher, Honorary Secretary to The Village Hall Management Committee, contributed the Sunday Reflection this week

The Village Hall has been there for nigh on 120 years. Now it sits silent, shut and brooding on Malthouse Lane, waiting for that time when things will be back to normal, when the doors can open and it returns to life again.

But, if the walls could talk, what would they say? Would they tell of the parties, the dances, the films and theatre productions; the flower show, the fashion show, the art show and craft show or those Committee and Council meetings that always seemed to over-run?  Would they tell of the Pilates Classes, the Ladies of the Village stretched flat on the floor with their legs in the air and of the Wednesday mornings when Mothers and ‘tots’ gathered to natter and play with Lego etc. ?  Would they remember the Harvest Suppers of yesteryear; the Royal visits, the Parish Assemblies when it was hard to believe that so much went on in the Village; the WI and WAGS (and the singing of Jerusalem), the Cubs and Brownies  and so much more ?

Of course the walls would remember all of the above and they will hear it all again. The Hall is poised and ready to go just as soon as it is allowed. It has been spruced up and will welcome young and old and recommence hosting all those Village events that have been so sorely missed.