News in Brief

Fete Success

The Warmington Fete on 27 August 2001 raised £550 for local organisations. £100 will go to the Village Hall, £200 to the Playgroup and £250 to the School.

The Ability Cup Tug o war competition was won by the Eaglethorpe Eagles.

New School Year

Sixty children will be attending Warmington School this year. There are two more support assistants to help with the increased numbers, Ms Kruger and Mrs Davey.

Design Statement

At a recent parish meeting it was agreed the village should produce a design statement. 

The statement will help ensure developments that take place within the village are in keeping with the local environment.

Children's Page

Can you say these sentences quickly without a mistake?

Which wrist watch strap shop is shut?

Friday Fred's fish shop fries five fat fish!

Improving Your Patch

On Friday 17 August 2001 Warmington Parish Council won an award sponsored by the Northamptonshire Environmental Forum supported by the Environment Agency and Scott Bader.

The event took place on the Radio Northamptonshire stand at the Northampton Balloon Fest. The scheme is entitled 'Improving you patch' and asks all recipients to state any improvements within their sphere (it is not confined to parish councils). 

It was most encouraging to see the numbers attending the event and hear details of their efforts; it does prove community spirit is not dead. 

Derek Rowell, Chairman - Warmington PC

Riverside Ramblings

'The hedgerows are already hung with the black and red clusters of shining blackberries; big green apples drop with a thud into the grass... Peace and plenty, if only for a moment.' 

Thus wrote Vita Sackville-West in 1938. How many moments of 'peace and plenty' has mankind experienced before black clouds of disaster strike? While the dust clouds are still  rising over the disasters in America we are gathered for our Harvest Festivals.

Although 'Harvest Home' has been a cause of rejoicing from the remotest ages, the Harvest Thanksgiving service as we know it was not invented until Victorian times. Of the four agricultural festivals - Plough Sunday, Rogationtide, Lammas and Harvest. only Lammas - anciently celebrated on 1 August  - was purely sacred.

Sheaves and loaves of bread made from the first ripe corn were brought to church by members of the village and farming communities. Lammas was celebrated from Anglo-Saxon times until the Reformation when it vanished with other festivals still celebrated in catholic countries.  

Farming methods and village life has changed out of all recognition since those days. On the cusp of change again after the disasters of BSE and FMD, Isaiah's gloomy words seem apt: "For the shouting for thy summer fruits and for thy harvest is fallen. And gladness is taken away, and joy out of the plentiful field."  

A radio 'Food Programme' reported the success of Farmers Markets. Giving local support is something each and everyone of us can do to help restore joy to our land. Let's enjoy  our Harvest Supper and be thankful!

Juliet Wilson