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Persuasions #15, 1993 Pages 14
Old Meade, Steventon How quickly a year passes! It is
a delight when Lorraine writes and we enjoy the friendship that started in 1975
when we celebrated the Bi-Centenary of Jane Austen’s birth in Steventon. It was at this time that Jack Grey introduced
himself to our family and became a most welcome friend to us and to St
Nicholas’ Church. His untimely death left us greatly saddened but
there will always be so many happy memories …
One such memory is of the evening at The Wheatsheaf Inn at Popham when,
with Lorraine, and Joan Austen-Leigh, and her late husband Denis, we first
discussed the formation of a Jane Austen Society of North America. I doubt if any of us envisaged the size to
which the society would grow, and the happiness it would bring to so many
people. During the year we have met and talked with
many visitors to the church. Sometimes
they come in coaches, sometimes they meet the flower ladies, and at other times
some of us are busy tidying the churchyard.
Each and every visitor is so welcome to enjoy the peace, beauty, and
interest of our church. In 1994, visitors will find that the memorials
in the churchyard to James Austen, the Rev. William Knight, his wives, and his
three young children who died within a day or two of each other of the dreaded
scarlet fever, have been restored. We
shall be planning the restoration of the three church bells during 1994. These are of mediaeval origin, and it is
such an exciting project. Finally, here in Steventon, we never tire of
acknowledging the great friendship and support we receive from members of JASNA. Thank you all – do make your way
to Steventon as we are always delighted to meet you. Joyce Bown |
