I was born in Birmingham and grew up in a large town in Worcestershire called Kidderminster. So you might have thought I would prefer to live in a busy, bustling place. But nothing could be further from the truth.
When Cate and I moved to Oxborough, we knew we had found our place. We love the fields and forests, we love the wide range of wildlife, we love the huge skies and we love the quietness. We have a lovely home with a great garden for our greyhounds.
And whilst walking these greyhounds around the village, I’ve been privileged to meet a wide range of lovely people. There’s nothing quite like having a 3 legged greyhound to peak people’s interest!
Despite being quite introverted, we felt the sense of community in this village, and the warmth that villagers showed to us. So we felt able to get more involved in village life more here than we ever have.
There have been the village breakfasts and the village hall BBQ where we’ve been able to meet more people from inside or just outside the village, and it’s great to see such a wide range of people in such a small place. I remember the moving remembrance service by the church memorial in 2018. Everyone says hello whilst you’re cutting your hedge, everyone gives a cheery wave as you walk past their home. I always enjoy a chat over the front gate. There’s been so many ways I’ve experienced good will in this village.
So if you have not found it such a positive experience in this village, I advise you to get out and meet the other villagers, and make up your own opinion on the people of this village. In the current situation, it is more difficult than it has been, the village breakfasts and BBQ are not able to take place at the moment, but there is the CafeOx coffee morning, and in these times where we have to stay at home more, it is a good chance to speak to other people. A wander around the green. Even popping out on a Wednesday evening to the chip van allows a good opportunity to chat to villagers whilst you wait for your cod and chips!
In this village there are good friends, good neighbours, people who you can rely on should you have the need. Also, the most stunning sunsets.
We came for the peace, we found friends.
