I am delighted to say that this is the 26th edition of the Oxford Sausage. That’s six months of weekly ramblings. The time has gone in a flash – and with much enjoyment. So on the eve of the New Year it seems appropriate to look both back to the adventures I have had as well as forward to exciting possibilities.
When I first set out, the days were warm and long, and I thought I knew Oxford reasonably well. When friends asked what would I do when the ideas dried up I wasn’t sure how to answer. But having tramped the streets for half a year I now know they never will. For I have only to turn a corner to find an interesting street name, an ancient carving or a plaque I had never seen before marking an event I had never heard of. Stories tumble out of secret doors, bubble up through manholes and pour from the mouths of the gargoyles gazing from the rooftops. I realise that if I were to write for the rest of my life, I would still barely have scratched the surface of this remarkable city.
One of the most delightful discoveries I have made is the generosity of this city’s inhabitants. From market traders to priests, butchers to bell ringers, stone carvers to showmen, I have been bowled over by the kindness of those willing to share their tales and expertise. I will never forget the excitement I felt when I received a phone call from the ‘Keeper of the Swifts’ inviting me to join him on his weekly climb up the tower of the University Museum of Natural History, to see this year’s nesting population before they headed south. It was a remarkable privilege.
And then there’s you too. I started the blog as a personal voyage but it’s been a revelation to find that others wanted to share in the journey. Thank you to all the Oxford Sausage readers who have made comments and suggestions. Keep them coming. I hope we will become as time goes by good companions.
It leaves me only to raise a toast to this ancient City of Oxford. Both old and new. And to all who have helped make it such a very special community. I look forward to many more adventures in 2024. I hope you will join me.
HAPPY NEW YEAR AND MAY IT BE HAPPY AND PEACEFUL.
The Oxford Sausage
The featured image is of a night time winter walk down the medieval New College Lane in central Oxford
7 Comments
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And a Happy New Year and many more fillings and casings, Arabella!
Wishing you a Happy New Year too, Arabella. Looking forward to reading many more ramblings from the Oxford Sausage!
Denise Longman
A delightful and gracious weekly trek.
Now if I can find some Oxford sausages in New York City. I shoul have asked at Meyers of Keswick when we were there yesterday.
Happy New Year to you! And looking forward to reading many more of your delightful posts on Oxford, its remarkable people and history.
Happy New Year to you! And looking forward to reading many more of your delightful posts on Oxford, its remarkable people and history.
A Happy Always to you, Arabella, and to us all.
Perhaps in 2024 there will be an annual 1-day coffee cafe meet-up and group walk, in support of the next post.
As this is the very 1st day of the new year, perhaps tracking select daily events appeals, such as weather conditions upon waking (sun, cloudy, windy, foggy, snow, rain, breezy, etc) and could amount to a notable 1 YEAR compilation and 1st TOS ebook! I also think a post(s) on the Trees of Oxford would be fascinating. Cheers
Happy New Year to you both, and the growing family!
May i suggest a look at the history of Oxford canal and the Rivers Cherwell/Thames?
That canal was amazingly dug by hand- no JVCs in them days!