Welcome to the 4th edition of the new CHEQS Magazine! It’s now changed from being a church parish magazine, to a community magazine – supported by representatives of the five village communities, Coln St Aldwyns, Hatherop, Quenington, Eastleach and Southrop. To reflect that change, you’ll notice a few differences. Instead of having the vicar’s letter, we’ll be inviting a different person each month to write a short piece.
Hello from… … Kate Hicks Beach
I’ve been living in Coln St. Aldwyns since 1993, and I grew up in Winson, which is 5 miles upstream.
The river that runs under our house is the same river at the foot of my father’s garden, so I haven’t really got very far in life!
I lead the Coln Choir (which is also, in part, the church choir), and I work for the charity Mindsong – singing with people who have dementia.
I’m a big fan of singing, and the joy and friendship of community music. About a year and a half ago I started swimming at Bowmoor Lake with a group of friends. It’s the most sublime experience: the beauty of the place, the bird life, and the invigoration of submerging yourself in cold, cold water – I recommend it!
I never expected to gain a new passion, but I have. I also never expected to have gained so many close friends here in Coln as I have over the years, through the choir, the wider community, and the schools.
What has surprised me, in my fifties, is what a laugh you can have when you’re singing or swimming or just wandering around the many walks and paths that circle our villages here – although, for now, we might now have to keep our distance!
We might be a tiny dot on the map of Britain but we’re full of potential for new friends, new passions and new experiences.
Coronavirus is making us re-think how we can enjoy and support our family & friends in safe, responsible ways. I’m sure our combined creativity, along with technology, will help us do that.
Margaret Stranks – Editor
Click Here to read this months magazine, online
CHEQS Archive can be found here.
