January 2025
Enjoying a Christmas drink and chat with PERA chairman Simon Lillystone I was amused by his story of an unexpected encounter with Stephen Fry. Simon was attending an awards ceremony in London. On entering the venue he was surprised to be greeted by the polymath and comic. ‘How wonderful to see you,’ said Fry,
Villagers are being warned to watch out for a lethal hole in the road. Piccotts End resident John Baldwin re-posted these photos of the missing manhole cover in the middle of the village. They were taken by passer-by Dave Hicks,
You can’t miss Jordan’s Antiques. It’s in the middle of the high street, next to Yalla Yalla. You can’t miss it because most days, the owner Michal (no ‘e’ he tells me, like in the bible) puts a lot of his wares out in the street. China bric-a-brac is his stock-in-trade, knick-knacks ranging from a fiver to £50. Is this the
December 2024
Joyce Lear, resident in the village since the 1970s, has written her life story, and what a glamorous life it has been! Joyce arrived in London from Newcastle aged only 22 and got herself a job as one of Fleet Street’s youngest female reporters. From the Daily Sketch she progressed to the dizzy heights and glamorous world of glossy magazines where she famously launched the first ever UK edition of Cosmopolitan magazine.
December 2024
Festive greetings to all residents and beyond from 140 Piccotts End. I’m pleased to say that we have had a very wonderful year in Piccotts End [all agree and sing our anthem “PERA for ever!”]. We’ve already had some snow, and I hear there’s more to come in bucketloads. However, come sun or snow, the views over the Gade (currently) remain as
December 2024
From leaping deer at Piccotts End House to festoons of colourful lights adorning Riverbank, residents have switched on in style this Christmas.
December 2024
Samuel Pepys kept his diary for 10 years between 1660 and 1670. It was a tumultuous time. The Restoration of the Monarchy with King Charles the 2nd, the Great Plague and the Great Fire of London. Pepys had plenty to write about and a fascinating read it is too. He only stopped because he feared for his eyesight after years
November 2024
A miserable, wet and cold evening this week and I’m settling in for a warm night in front of the TV. A knock on the door. Who could this be at 7pm?
November 2024
Villagers enjoyed a night under the stars at the annual fireworks party. A light drizzle failed to dampen spirits as they tucked into soup and hot dogs before the sky was lit up by fantastic fireworks.
Now in its 15th year, our Book Club meets every month in the convivial surroundings of a member’s home. All residents are welcome to join and the only qualification is an enjoyment of reading.