Nettlebed, Oxfordshire

Our drive back home to Sheffield was more straightforward than going down to Berkshire when one of the major routes across country that we usually take was closed due to a Moto Grand Prix sports motorbike racing event at Silverstone race circuit.  The beech woods in Oxfordshire were shades of green compared with the above photo taken on an earlier journey when the trees were beginning to turn into Autumn shades. 

Driving through Caversham we stopped to put flowers on the family graves at Henley Road Cemetery.

We then stopped in the village of Nettlebed as I had hoped to see the stained glass windows in the church designed by the English artist John Piper, a painter, printmaker, photographer, book jacket and theatrical set designer.  Unfortunately when I spoke to a villager who was out litter-picking (although from what I observed the village looked immaculately well-kept), the gentleman explained that the church was closed at this time because of vandalism.  However, the key could be obtained from a church warden who lived opposite the church.  With a long journey ahead of us it was not possible to stop for long, but I did take a walk in the churchyard and took photos of the exterior of the church and surrounding buildings.

The origin of the name Nettlebed is unknown.  There are various theories.  One is that Roman soldiers in the 1st and 2nd century AD rubbed nettles on their limbs to keep warm on marches!  Another well known fact is that nettles yield a thread which can be made into linen cloth.  Many homes in the 18th century had sheets and table cloths made from nettles that grew in abundance around the area.  

The present church was designed by J. Henry Hakewill (1811-1880) of London and built on the site of the original 12th century church.  Remains of the first church can be seen forming the base of the tower of the present building (not photographed).

The lychgate is also a war memorial.

There was a beautiful copper beech in the churchyard.....

and an impressive hedge at the entrance to the garden of one of the village homes.

This notice looked intriguing so I walked a short way down the lane by the side of the churchyard to take a look at what might be there.

The refreshments at The Cheese Shed looked inviting.  It was a pity that we couldn't stay and sample them - another time if we're in the area.

Looking back I saw the gentleman litter-picker and engaged him in conversation. We know now that we need to contact the church warden if we want to visit the church out of hours of church services.  

Someone has visited and has taken a photo of one of the stained glass windows and has given it public domain status which gives an idea of one of the designs.  It would be even better for us to visit the church sometime and take in the detail of this place of worship.

The lane by the church. In the Home Counties and elsewhere the grass was brown due to the lack of rain.  The fields that we passed were golden with wheat and barley, but farmers have reported that the grains are small and the yield will be less because of the intense heat and no rain over the Summer months.

Despite the lack of rain people are still lovingly tending their gardens.  Above are some random photos - dahlias in a garden near our daughter D's home and a Reading Council flower display outside the Italian restaurant taken at night.  Opposite are the Forbury Gardens.  I'll probably post some old photos of my walks in Reading town centre another time.  This time it was all about being with our family.

The internet seems to be back on track. Thank you for coming by.