Privett Walk & Tree Commemoration - January 2026

The annual winter walk around Privett was organised this year by Jan Topping and Vanessa Christie as a precursor to the commemorative tree planting in memory of Bridget Kindler. Many villagers present and past were joined by Bridget’s son Tod and daughter Kate and around 16 other family members who came along to enjoy a one hour walk along quiet roads and footpaths through the fields. Interesting points of local history were highlighted by Vanessa on route. The walk ended at the Village Hall.

Many others then joined the group after the walk in order to be part of the tree planting. There has been a tradition to plant trees in recognition of villagers to mark their passing and their contribution to Privett over the years. Most are within the boundaries of the Village Hall and have newly installed name plaques. But space has become limited so Bridget’s tree lies opposite the Village Hall in a spot kindly donated by Nina and Mervin Povey.

It feels an appropriate location as it looks out over the field where Bridget enjoyed many happy times taking part in the Fawley Farm gymkhana. With this in mind the Village Hall Committee also donated a shield to be presented as a special award at the horse show each year in her memory.

On behalf of the Village Hall Committee Jan Topping, Bridget’s neighbour for many years, spoke from the heart about the sad loss of Bridget and the outstanding contribution she had made to village life.

The event concluded with hot soup provided by members of the Committee and local community and served up in the village hall to around 70 people. It gave the perfect opportunity for people to warm up on a very chilly day and also to share their memories of Bridget. Tod and Kate were very touched by the amazing turnout for their mum and grateful for the happy memory of the day that they were able to take away with them.