Charlton Horethorne and District Garden Club. Talk: More Wow, Less work – grasses and their place in our gardens Neil Lucas of Knoll Gardens. CH Village Hall
More sad news. Bob Mcreery, the successful horse breeder and former champion amateur jockey has passed away.
The Blog would welcome a contribution from anyone who knew him well enough to contribute an appreciation of his life. Contact the editor – editor@idnet.com.
The year 2016 ends with some very bad news, alas. We have lost some very important and highly valued people.
The Blog is very sad to report the death of Horsington resident Paul Mann on the night of 26th December, a few days after his 62nd birthday. Paul put up a brave fight against cancer, which was diagnosed too late to do anything about it. What makes it even sadder that that his wife Belinda, to whom we offer sincere and heartfelt condolences, was given the “all clear” after some grueling treatment just a few months before Paul himself was diagnosed. Paul’s own diagnosis and treatment raises some serious questions about local healthcare, which we will return to later.
Paul Mann at the wheel of his beloved MercedesPaul Mann and John Macdonald at the Horsington Open
Paul was a much loved, husband, father and friend, and will be badly missed by all who knew him. His kindness, tolerance, generosity and understanding were legendary. He worked and played hard, he was fun, articulate, warm, a devoted fan of rock music and good ale, a generous host and a dutiful son.
Paul was a real “village man”, a stalwart of the pubs, and a supporter of many local activities. We are sure the entire community in South Cheriton and Horsington will send their deepest sympathies to Belinda, Jemima, Guy and Charlie at this difficult time. And his many friends will mourn his passing. He will be missed for a long time.
Paul’s funeral will be held in Horsington. More details when we get them -Ed
Another sad departure was long term Horsington Marsh resident Elfreide Scharfe who died in her 88th year early in December, following a spell in hospital. She refused treatment.
Elfriede Scharfe being interviwed for the Horsington Jubilee video
An 11-year old refugee who escaped the Nazis in September 1939 on the Kindertransport, Elfreide went on to become a highly qualified and celebrated nurse and carer for others. She progressed from a SRN to Ward Sister in London, and then Matron of the Wincanton Memorial Hospital following her move to Horsington in 1972.
She was also a stalwart of the local community and a supporter of many local clubs and societies.
In a profile of her in the “Villager Magazine”, published in May 2013 she was described as “generous of spirit. . . with courage, determination and positive resolve”.
The Blog sends its sincere condolences to Toni, and Elfriede’s many friends
Talking of which, we must also mention Elfriede’s close neighbor Valerie Pratt, who has been in Hospital for a few weeks. We send her our best wishes, and hope she returns soon.
The Half Moon Inn has posted its Christmas opening hours:
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR OPENING HOURS,2016-2017
CHRISTMAS EVE OPEN 6 PM – MIDNIGHT
CHRISTMAS DAY OPEN 12 NOON – 2 PM
BOXING DAY CLOSED
TUESDAY 27TH. DECEMBER OPEN 6 PM – 9 PM
WEDNESDAY 28TH.DECEMBER OPEN 6 PM – 9 PM
THURSDAY 29TH.DECEMBER OPEN 6 PM – 9 PM
FRIDAY 30TH. DECEMBER OPEN 6 PM – 11 PM
NEW YEAR’S EVE CLOSED
NEW YEAR’S DAY OPEN 12 NOON – 4 PM
( lunch will be served)
MONDAY 2ND. JANUARY,2017 OPEN 6 PM – 9 PM
TUESDAY 3RD.JANUARY NORMAL HOURS
WE ARE HAPPY TO OPEN OUTSIDE THESE HOURS FOR SPECIAL EVENTS
PLEASE CALL 01963370140 OR E MAIL halfmoonhorsington@horsington.co.uk
Downton Abbey Christmas special – a seasonal treat for our readers.