Sibford Scene Archive

There have been several requests for information on the current status of the village pond and the outlook for its maintenance and improvement. Historically, the pond has been a feature of our village for hundreds of years, attracting generations of families to enjoy the frogs, ducks, fish, plants and other wildlife. For various reasons, over the past few years, the water table has dropped and, especially during the summer months, the water has become very shallow. Because of this a large number of mature carp were confiscated as they were deemed to be in distress.

Sometime ago a pond committee was formed by the Sibford Gower Parish Council; Committee Members include Roger Powell, David Soden, John Berry, Ivor Hopkyns and Fred Inns, who, with the help of other volunteers, try to keep the pond and the surrounding area attractive. Every summer the pond is drained and cleaned, usually on a weekend when the skip is nearby. There have also been several attempts to introduce plants and small fish to the pond.

As almost 75% of village ponds in the U.K. have disappeared over the past 100 years, The Heritage Lottery fund has announced a programme to restore up to 1,000 village ponds. We have taken the first step of registering in the programme by forwarding photographs and other basic information and, as we appear to meet the selection criteria, our registration has been confirmed. We are now awaiting details on how to apply for a grant.

In the meantime, we believe we have located several springs nearby which we shall attempt to divert into the pond, if necessary. Blanketweed has been a problem over the last two or three summers and is skimmed off three or four times a month. If anyone thinks they have a better solution to this problem, or would like to help with the cleaning and maintenance, please contact one of the committee members.

Receipts for the Sibford Church Roof Repairs appeal have now reached approximately £38,000, of which loans total £12,000. we are waiting hopefully for certain charities and subject to any help that they may be able to give, we still therefore have to raise £25,000 if we are to proceed with this work.

Our tine is now running short if we are to start the work as planned in June as definite instructions must be given to the builders within weeks. with another £15,000 we could do the roof, ceiling and gutter work and leave the internal repairs and decorations until a later date. Would we, however, have any better response to an appeal then as now? Also, we have good quotations now which may not be repeated later. Furthermore, to split the jobs would greatly add to the cost of the second operation: scaffolding which could he used for both operations would have to be removed and then brought back later; costs continue generally to rise.

We have been surprised by some strong comments that the church should spend no money on its roof and should, if necessary, be abandoned. These comments are perfectly valid though the strongest views coming from villagers is that a church building forms a traditional centre of the community and should be retained if at all possible. It is also submitted that the building was passed to us by a previous generation, is held by us in trust and we are responsible to pass it on to the next generation in good order.

We are encouraged by the support that many have given to us but the facts are though that we may soon have to make the decision to cancel the work with the result that the building nay be doomed and, sooner rather than later, will have to be abandoned.

Suggestions have been made for coffee mornings and other regular activities to he run. These offers are greatly appreciated and will be welcomed but time is not on our side. They would be a great help as a continuing money raising activity to help pay off the loans which are being offered.

Two members of the PCC, Roger Powell and Nornan Nash are making personal visits to people who have not yet responded to the appeal. They may have already approached you but should they contact you in the near future for a visit, please do give then a hearing.