Dave Knight moved to East Garston in January 2000, and openly admits that one of his biggest regrets is that he didn't move here earlier. Dave worked for Glaxo Pharmaceuticals for 33 years, and was - quote "A small to Medium cog in a very large machine". Un-quote. Interests? - well many actually, Family, Classical Music, History & Sport. Dave actively partakes in Badminton, Table-tennis,and keep fit at the Lambourn Centre. But his former pursuits - Squash and Jogging - are now sadly discarded due to the ravages of time.He is now content to follow the activities of his two Grandsons, both of whom play for Wickham Wanderers under 9s and under 13s football sides respectively.  He is also a dab hand at writing verse, most of which is centred on this beautiful area we are privileged to live in. Below, some of Dave's work in this field is featured. There is a trace of a poet in all of us I'm sure, but some, like Dave, are just that bit special....(KT)

Direct Links to individual Poems
: Martyn  : The Child Protection Officer's Lament
The Gym : The Road to Xian : Reflections : Autumnal Mists : Christingle : Remembrance : Icon In The Sky : East Garston Website : East Garston in the Spring 

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Martyn
by Dave Knight.

Some would opt for the warmth of Devon
In which to spend their Seventh Heaven,
Or, failing that, the charms of Wales
But doughty Martyn chose the Dales!

With his precious Time he's been no Miser,
For, in familiar Hat and Visor,
He's mown with care our River's banks,
And justly earned our grateful Thanks.

The Memorial Site, the Village Hall,
And the Tidy-up in early Fall,
Have flourished under Martyn's steer
With little fuss and much good Cheer

High among Life's greatest Joys
Was to be one of Martyn's "River Boys,"
When, in the guise of culling Cress,
We'd splash around and make a Mess. *

To those concerned please rest assured,
The re-sited Martyn won't be bored,
This Hercules will find new Labours
To shock and awe his Yorkist Neighbours

We wish Him and His, the very best
As in the Dales they come to rest
That they'll be missed is all too plain
East Garston's Loss is Yorkshire's Gain

With our final Thanks an earnest Plea,
Please Martyn watch that Family Tree,
For more than once we've heard it said
"Yairkshire born, Yairkshire bred,
Thick in t'arm and thick in t'Head"



* Martyn excepted.

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Yes the death of Baby P. was sad,
But things are not entirely bad.
Peoples' views are far too wild,
It wasn't us who killed that Child.
Though badly duped by those who killed
We ticked each box. All forms were filled

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I step on the Scales and loudly groan, my previous Weight plus half a Stone!
A Quantum Leap from Fat to 'Thin requires I put some Gym-time in.
Once I'm there I feel quite keen and choose myself a sleek Machine.
With Sense I shun an early Slog and set the Speed at "Gentle Jog'"

Then in strides young "Mr Superfit", muscles rippling, superb Kit,
Designer Shorts and matching Vest. I pull in my Tum, puff out my Chest
Bulge the Biceps, flex the Pecs, salvage one of Nature's Wrecks.
But once he wires himself for sound his sun-tanned Legs begin to pound.

In vain I try to match his Pace, heart rate soaring, purpled Face,
Forget the Cough, ignore the Wheeze, play down the pain from creaking Knees
Copious sweat flows by the Litre as I traverse each tortured Metre.
I'm just a crusty OAP but this young Tyke won't better me.

But sadly Nature has it's way, the price of Pride's too high to pay.
For though the Willpowers not at fault my jellied Legs flop to a Halt.
"No Pain no Gain !" the "Regulars" cry and now I know the reason why
They push themselves until they drop. ....It's oh so lovely when You stop!
,

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Reflections
by Dave Knight.

We are Amy's Army and We've marched around Beijing
Though greying at the Temples We're up for anything.

Early in the Morning she drags us from our Rooms
"Forget the Hair,
Let's hit the Square,
The Palace and the Tombs!".

We've seen Silk made, admired the Jade,
Had our Spirits rise and fall,

But when feet drag She'll raise that Flag
And drive Us up the Wall *

Up to date
We've been sedate
But Tomorrow We'll be Rotters.
For, if We can, We'll take Xian
And stuff the Terracottas!.

We are Amy's Army and We'll face down any Test.
When we leave this Shore,
They'll cry for more,
We simply are the Best!

* Great Chinese variety

When you had gone I began to wonder
How long my love would last.
Engendered by your presence
Would it die once you had passed,
Melt like a fragile Snowflake,
Drifting in the Winter Sun,
Or fade as the shimmering Butterfly
When Summer's golden days are done?

If finite would it endure the passing years
Or, un-sustained, with the flight of time
Be stretched and snap asunder
Like an over-tautened length of twine?

No. My love for you is like a gentle river
That Day by Day, unchallenged flows,
And steadfastly moves towards you.
Set on it's course it stronger grows.

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Autumnal Mists
by Dave Knight.

Christingle
by Dave Knight.

Called by Bells through the cold, clear Night,
And led to the Church by twinkling Light,
A heartfelt Welcome at the ancient Door,
Footsteps firm on the flag-stoned Floor.

 

Early Morning Mists Arise
Distorting distant Views
Drift like Wraiths through Glade and Wood
Softening Summer's vibrant Hues.

Then gently lay a Blanket down
On golden Fields of ripening Grains,
Wreathe empty Nests in russet Trees,
Find hidden Fruits down Country Lanes.

In the Dawning Hours the Mists held Sway,
But now their Day is done
For they fade as quickly as they came,
Vanquished by the waxing Sun.

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Remembrance
by Dave Knight.

Icon In The Sky
by Dave Knight.

Sometimes We’ll take to the open Fields,
And turn our Faces to the Sun,
The Old Folk amble stiffly,
Around them lively Children run.

At other times We‘ll laugh and talk
With Friends met in the Street,
And later, on our homeward Walk
Give silent Thanks for Life that’s sweet.

Some stressful days We’ll argue
Act thoughtlessly as well,
But all these things we do in Freedom….
Thanks to Those who bravely fell.

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East Garston Website by Dave Knight.	m	East Garston in the Spring by Dave Knight.
You can surf the Net with all your Might, Pound PC keys both Day and Night, But You'll not find a Site like this, Attractive, factual, perfect Bliss!
Even Folk from far-flung Climes E-mail in (At oddest Times!), Seek Ancestral facts through our dear Ken, "I know I've Roots, but where and when? Hundreds of Us, nearer Home, Through it's Sections love to roam. Film Buffs, Quizzers, Skittlers, All, "What's on next at the Village Hall?" The E/G Website is a Village Treasure, Scanning through gives such great Pleasure. Thank You Ken, for this, your Passion, Crafted in true TARBOX-ian Fashion!		Acid-yellow Fields of Rape contrast an azure Sky While crowded Rooks fret noisily, the Kite, aloof, soars high The Church tower, still and ageless, 'neath gently swelling Hills Shares this Hamlet's History, has known it's Joys and Ills. The Lambourn at its fullest snakes its placid Way Through Banks of breeze-blown Daffodils, reflected in their Sway Nearby the Blacksmith's Bridge, the sturdy Granite Cross Proudly names the Fallen, mourns each Family's Loss. Oblivious of the Blight of War eager children play In the Shade of ancient Cottages amidst the scent of May Peaceful be their future, though whatever Life shall bring May they come to love, like Us, this Village in the Spring.

In Praise of East Garston Website was originally written for a local Monthly Valley Publication but it never actually made it into print. Something to do with it advertising a rival publication I believe. I don't see myself as a rival but I do accept the compliment with thanks and appreciation...............Thank you Dave.