It is with some sorrow that we say farewell to Peter and Juliet Gardiner who left the village on 20th August after living in Upton for 17 years.
During their time in the village we have been greatly indebted for the way they have helped to look after the environment and the many other ways in which they have contributed to village life.
Peter was one the original instigators and has always been chief reading organiser behind the supper and readings evenings that have been an enjoyable part of the social life of the village.
Juliet assumed the role of village historian and has researched and compiled a large amount of information on the history of this village up to about 1900. This information is being retained in the village and will be catalogued and stored such that we, and future generations, will be able to use it as a reference thanks to Juliet’s dedicated work.
For many years Peter and Juliet were our Parish Transport Representatives regularly travelling by bus to the meetings in Oxford to fight to retain our bus service and to put our point of view on other transport issues affecting this parish.
Another area where we will miss their presence is in their tireless work over many years in keeping our village roads and footpaths free of litter. If you met then out walking the chances were that they had their litter-picking sticks and small rubbish sack and were picking up any litter that they saw on their walk.
In my early days as a parish councillor Peter and Juliet were the only parishioners to regular attend the meetings. There input in so many areas was invaluable as they were always out walking around the parish or using the local buses noting the little things that needed councillor’s input and generally keeping the council on it’s toes. Even in the latter years when unfortunately Juliet has not been able to walk very far I still got the odd note through the door advising me of fly-tipping or some other area of the parish that needed some attention, a service that I appreciated and will miss in the future.
Peter and Juliet we thank you for your contribution to the village, our best wishes go with you and hope that you will enjoy your new life just along the road in Goring.
Mike Brown