Alec Jones – A Life Lived for Others
Black Bourton has lost one of its true community pillars. For four decades, Alec Jones was the beating heart of our small Oxfordshire village — a man who gave his time, his energy, and his boundless enthusiasm to ensuring that everyone who called Black Bourton home truly felt that they belonged.
Alec was the driving force behind the Black Bourton Village Association, an organisation that brought neighbours together and gave the community its enduring sense of identity. Through his leadership and quiet dedication, the Association became a cornerstone of village life — a testament to what one person’s commitment can build.
He will perhaps be best remembered for two of Black Bourton’s most cherished traditions. The village fete, which Alec helped organise year after year, became a highlight of the calendar — a joyful celebration that drew people together and reminded everyone why living in a close-knit community is something to be treasured. And then there was the apple pressing, a wonderfully seasonal ritual that carried Alec’s unmistakable stamp — warm, generous, and rooted in the very best of country life.
But it was in the quieter moments that Alec’s personality shone perhaps most brightly. Whenever a new family or individual arrived in the village, it was Alec who would appear at their door — friendly face, warm welcome, and an unspoken message that they were not just moving into a house, but into a community that would look out for them.
Alec Jones didn’t just live in Black Bourton. He made it what it is. And the lives he touched — the friendships he sparked, the doors he knocked on, the events he lovingly brought to life — will be his lasting legacy.
He is survived by his beloved wife Jane, and his sons Charlie and William, who meant the world to him. As the village mourns, its thoughts and warmest wishes are with them during this difficult time. They can take great comfort in knowing that Alec’s kindness and generosity of spirit lives on in every corner of the community he so dearly loved.
He will be deeply missed, and long celebrated.
Mandy Bradshaw, aka The Chatty Gardener will present her Guide to Cotswold Gardens in a talk entitled ‘Beyond the Garden Gate’. The talk is free to Gardening Club Members or £5 on the door for non members incl light refreshments.
Patron Saints are chosen as special protectors for a country and this month we start with David, Patron Saint of Wales on the 1st March, which was the day of his death in 589. Many miracles surround David, the most notable being when the ground on which he was standing talking to the people, rose up into a hill so that everyone could see him. The story has it that he only ate leeks and drank water! Although this is not a national holiday in Wales, the day is widely celebrated with the wearing of traditional costume adorned with leeks and daffodils. Move along to the 17th March and we say hello to Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland who was believed to have died sometime between 461 and 493. Patrick was a Christian missionary and bishop and while much of his life is shrouded in legend, he is famously credited with using the three leafed shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to the people. This of course is why we recognise the shamrock as being a symbol of Ireland, much like the leeks and the daffodils associated with David. In Ireland, what once was a religious holiday has become a national holiday with much celebration of the Irish culture and history with parades, music and Irish dancing and I am sure, a copious supply of Guinness!
Commonwealth Day is the annual celebration of the Commonwealth of Nations and is held on the second Monday in March falling on the 9th March this year. It traces it’s origins back to Empire Day, which when Queen Victoria was alive, was celebrated on her birthday 24th May but was renamed Commonwealth Day during the mid 20th century and moved to March. On this day the King broadcasts a message to all commonwealth countries and attends an interdenominational service held at Westminster Abbey when the flags of the member countries are offered for blessing.
Sitting in the middle of March on the 15th is Mother’s Day which always falls on the fourth Sunday in Lent and which I talked a bit about last year. This special day has been observed by the Catholic and other Christian churches since the middle ages and the UK is believed to be the first country in the world to have a dedicated day for mothers, so well done Great Britain!
The Snowdrops are out – Spring is on its way! 
The year ended with a lot of mulled wine and home-made mince pies (thank you Wendy!) at St Mary’s, where we welcomed the arrival of Santa and his gifts and a merry sing-along to all the favourite Christmas carols and readings led by our Rector Barry.
We were able to get the Christmas tree up in church and decorated (thank you Janette) for the First Sunday in Advent which was also a communion service for all three churches in the benefice. Refreshments were served afterwards and we all had a good catch up with our friends from Brize and Carterton. The following week the outside trees were erected and dressed with lights, adding a really festive appearance to the approach along the path to the church and cemetery beyond. Thank you Richard for crawling around in all weathers fixing the cables and making everything work properly.