Preparations started early for this year’s Summer Party. The Committee was keen to make this milestone a special celebration. We especially wanted to encourage as many new members as possible to attend. With Jonathan’s help, the Chair designed a lovely invitation, which was delivered to all households.  60 people responded to the RSVP. Apologies to one member, who unfortunately missed out.

Sally explored the legal aspects of road closure, health & safety and insurance.  She put up appropriate notices and obtained the licence from the Council. Hopefully no one was inconvenienced.

The Parks Dept. (OCC) eventually cut the grass in Sadler Walk but quite a bit of work was required to prepare the garden for the party.  Our thanks to Gregg Brisk, & Chris & Roger for trimming the bushes and raking up the grass.

Keeping an eye on the weather forecast, we decided to erect 3 gazebos on Friday evening. We are grateful to Roger, Michael & Carol Wills, Philip Wootton, Jonathan & Gregg who helped to erect the tents and to John Shelvey, Jussi, Maria & the girls who assisted with the dismantling.

On Friday we were very sad to hear that Sally & Robin had both caught Covid.  It was especially disappointing for the Chair after all her hard work.  They wished us well and Chris & Michael stepped in.

Despite light drizzle on Sunday morning, we erected the trestle tables and benches on Trinity Street, as pre-arranged.  Caroline added a nice touch with her colourful flower arrangements.  Bunting was hung up. BBQs were in place and drinks laid out.  We were ready to go.

On arrival members were treated to a glass of Elizabeth Moynagh’s delicious fruit punch.  We thank her and her team of little helpers.  Chris gave a short speech of introduction and Roger had written a rhyming Grace and Toast for the occasion. See here for a recording of this. We toasted the Queen and sang God Save The Queen, accompanied by Ruth on her flute.

As usual people brought a delicious array of food to share. Thanks to the 3 BBQ chefs, Roger, Mike Moynagh & Ian who kept a close eye on individual’s food as it was being cooked, there were no complaints.

The pudding competition generated a lot of interest and the table was brimming with an array of creative entries.  We are most grateful to Celine Wills for agreeing to be our judge, ably assisted by her daughter, Beatrice.  The winner was Anna Turnbull, certainly our youngest entrant, for her superb hazelnut meringue layered pudding.  The prize, kindly donated by Michael & Carol Wills, was a meal at the Handle Bar Café.

Next to the puddings on a separate table was one of the biggest cakes we have ever seen. Caroline created a masterpiece, ably assisted by her son, Adam.  Thank you so much.  A slice of cake and a cup of tea rounded off the proceedings, kindly provided by the tea ladies, Cristina, Carol, Caroline and Liz.

As you can see this was a real team effort and it was lovely to see quite a few new faces. Our final thanks go to you all for supporting this event. Everyone joined in and hopefully, had fun.

You will see photos of the event here – please note these photos are only available to SENDRA members. Please contact the Chair if you need a password.

Chris Knight Secretary

On 8th May, Liz Woolley did a tour of the St Thomas’ Parish. Those of us who joined this tour had a real treat! Liz gave us a fascinating glimpse into how our neighbours in the Parish of St Thomas lived in the past. We learned of the interesting, and sometimes combatative, history of prominent local families (the Oxford equivalent of the Montagues and the Capulets!), what it would have smelt like living next to five breweries, and how Osney Abbey was at one time the third largest abbey in the land. If you get the chance to experience a tour another time, do take it. See photos of the event below: