What we'd like to feature on this page are articles by Deddington residents past and present, but which don't have a Deddington focus; as well as news of ex-Deddingtonians, whether their absence be permanent or temporary.

News from Derrick Robbins:

I live in Sarasota on the coast of Florida, USA. As those of you who are avid readers of Deddington News will recall, Ruth Johnson wrote an article of my stay with my uncle, Christopher Ell, a boot and shoe repairer, and aunt Mildred at Tower View on the Bullring at the beginning of the Second World War. I subsequently met and married an American lady and adopted her two girls, then aged three and six. As with most people, I experienced the yen and yang of life and suffered many heartaches over the years. My wife, unfortunately, just as we had purchased our new house north of London, was diagnosed with an incurable disease and naturally wanted to return to spend what time was left for her with her family. Her two daughters were lost to separate vehicle accidents, but I am blessed with a surviving daughter who is happily married with three grandchildren. Not being one just to dip my toe in the water, I jumped right in and devoted my time to volunteering.

I developed a community garden, was appointed horticulturist and President of a local succulent society, taught horticulture at a local elementary school, appointed a member of ‘Keep Sarasota Beautiful’ Advisory Board, became a member of the Citizen Emergency Response Team which operates under Homeland Security, and we are first responders in the case of an emergency. Since February 2001, I have been a volunteer patrol officer with the Sarasota Police Department. So I keep busy, and stay and look younger than my 80 years. I look forward to being able to reach my 100th birthday. My one hope is that I can visit Deddington once more, a village that has always held a dear, soft place in my heart.

... more news on p. 2