November 2023

12 Buckden Roundabout November 2023 Village News The Offord Gardeners ’ Association (OGA) The OGA is a long established gardening club, run by members of the local community who are passionate about all things horti- culture. We have monthly meetings which include a range of fasci- nating and topical speakers, practical workshops and com- petitions. There are also refreshments and a raffle, so it is a great opportunity to socialise and share ideas and tips with other budding gardeners. There are both Spring and Summer Shows, where you can exhibit your prize flowers, vegetables, fruit cookery and crafts, and maybe even win a trophy! We also organise regular garden visits in the local area and an annual trip to RHS or RHS partner garden (this year we took a coach down to RHS Wisley) A real bargain at only £10 per year to join (or you can at- tend as a visitor, for a small fee). Our November meeting is on the 16 th November at 19:30 at the Offord Village Hall, where there is a wreath making workshop and the annual AGM. For more information, please contact Steve (Club Secretary) on 07756 463147 Buckden Towers: Is it Buckden ’ s best kept secret? Since coming back to Buckden a few weeks ago, Fr Paul has been struck by the number of people who have com- mented about not having been into Buckden Towers or not knowing much about the place. I though I ’ d take the opportunity to share a little information and invite you to consider coming in and having a look around. Buckden Towers is presently owned by a Roman Catholic group of priests and brothers called the Claretian Mission- aries. They have owned the property since the late 1950’ s. When they received it, it was in a state of disre- pair in need of refurbishment. The Tower at the time had no floors or roof and there were bushes and small trees growing in it!!! Initially repairs were made and it was converted into a school for teenagers interested in be- coming missionaries. The late 60’ s saw the closure of the school and the establishment of the local parish of St Hugh. At the same time the Claretians began to refurbish the property and develop a Pastoral and Conference Cen- tre. The modest income this generated, along with fund- raising efforts provided funds that were reinvested in the property allowing for more of the facilities to became in- habitable and ready for use. It is ironic that there are people from around the country that are familiar with Buckden Towers when there are local people who have no idea about this national treas- ure. The property is private and open to the public. The attempt to ban people walking dogs (originally due to the desire to not have mess when visitors, especially groups of children, are exploring the property) is clearly not ob- served and enforced. We do however expect dog owners to clean up any mess that is created – while most observe this, sadly there are a few who don ’ t! As a private property we get no help from local govern- ment for the upkeep of the premises and the Claretians are grateful to the volunteers who generously give of their time. This allows the limited resources to be effec- tive in allowing Buckden Towers to be appreciated by so many people. So, if you have never been inside those walls in the mid- dle of the village and are nervous about coming in, next time you have visitors bring them with you and take the plunge of seeing what lies behind the walls, because there is always safety in numbers!!!! We hope to see you soon.