Thoughts and Observations

The OED defines self-indulgence as “yielding to temptations of ease or pleasure”, which sounds rather good to me, So, please, either indulge me or turn the page while I ramble on.

 

My thoughts have turned to the fact that I have lived in Bishop’s Waltham for three years and bought a place here. I am settled and will be here for a while, but why? What is it about Bishop’s Waltham that makes it a place where I want to stay?

 

I could follow the advice of a self-appointed life coach who, in their column in one of the daily newspapers, extolled the virtues of making a list of pros and cons to help solve problems, but that seems too much of an effort. I am not good with lists as I need to remember what I write on the list or, more usually, I lose the list. This time, however, I will follow the wise words of the guru and put down on paper the reasons why I like Bishop’s Waltham. It will not be a definitive list, just a few points that pass through a cluttered brain and rise to the top like cream in unhomogenised milk, but not as tasty.

 

I want to visualise Bishop’s Waltham as an island of calm in a sea of turmoil, but it is not that simple. Yes, it seems to be a place where double yellow lines mean “park here”, but sadly, it is also a place where traffic wardens get verbally abused should they try to do their job.

 

I like the High Street with its variety of shops and it was once good to have a bank here beside the Post Office. I understand that Barclays and Lloyds are betting on either a hairdresser or coffee shop as a replacement, although Barclays seems to be more into scaffolding these days. Let us hope something beneficial arises out of the ashes of these once-useful banks. 

 

As a man who does not know one end of a hammer from the other, let alone how to use one, the men of the Men’s Shed have assumed an almost pantheon-like status through their many labours. As just one example, I live overlooking the level crossing gates that mark the start of a pleasant walk along the path of the old railway line to Botley. Over the past few years, the state of these iconic markers has gradually deteriorated. That is until the Men’s Shed rescued them. They have restored a helpful access point and reminded us of this place's history. To quote Bob Marley “If you know your history, then you would know where you coming from, then you wouldn't have to ask me, who the heck do I think I am.”

 

It's not just me who has a fondness for Bishop’s Waltham; swifts seem to like it as well and as a species added to the UK Birds of Conservation Concern Red List in 2021, any nesting site is critical. Swifts are such beautiful birds; they mate for life, and the only time they need the land is to nest, and space is provided under eves within the town. Let’s try to provide more.

 

Is Bishop’s Waltham a village, a town, or a market town? To me, it has the friendliness of a village, but it is too big to be called one. It has an approachable Parish Council and various churches, all of which, are a strength and support for the community. It even has many markets, be they County Fayres, Christmas Fayres, Church Bazaars, vintage markets or the weekly Country Market in Jubilee Hall, which are worth a visit.

 

This is not a list, nor a definitive account of why I like Bishop’s Waltham, but I believe that occasionally, it is important to stop and ponder life as we find it, what works and perhaps what does not. Only then can we set a course for the future.