DAVID FLINT 

6 September 1932 - 9 October 2021

Many residents knew David over the many years he lived in Oakley and are now missing his       frequent presence working in Long Break on the multi-user path from Oakley to Kempshott.  A walk along the multi-user path at any time of year will reveal evidence of David's hard work and  vision for the people and wildlife of Oakley. Jubiloaks members will miss his cheerful, quiet     presence at work parties; always keen to get the best environmental outcome for work planned.  

 

Having worked in many countries throughout the world, David used his engineering background in active involvement in the Oakley & Deane Village Vision 2011; the Village Design Statement; and ongoing comments on planning applications both in the village and surrounding areas.  He was the founder member and became Chair of Jubiloaks for 9 years.

 

In 2011 David heard of the plan to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee by planting new woods in the UK and set about looking at possible Oakley sites.  He undertook a huge amount of work contacting key figures in the village and the wider Basingstoke community.  Support for an Oakley Jubilee wood was overwhelming, leading to the formation of Jubilee Wood Oakley Supporters group (our original name!).  As you will be aware the site eventually chosen and planted is adjacent to Wootton and the new housing development planned on Manydown.

 

In the meantime Dorothy Collard (as part of Village Vision) obtained permission to plant a wildlife hedgerow along the new bare railway fence from Wells Copse to the farm road.  So as an Oakley Jubilee Wood was not to be.....we changed our group name to Jubiloaks and took over maintenance of the Oakley to Kempshott path.  We little knew that the next few years would involve planting of over 3000 tree/hedge whips!  Some of the trees at Battledown are now many metres high with the cherries and rowans creating a colourful scene through the year.

 

Never one to rest on his laurels, David became particularly interested in the unofficial path snaking through Long Break between the footpath and the field.  This track has been used by children (of all ages) over more than 50 years.  David spent many happy hours clearing and improving the track, creating an alternative walkway much appreciated by everyone, in particular over the past 2 years.

 

David became our group representative on the Natural Basingstoke committee and for many years managed a training programme for volunteers and site visits to other groups. At the Jubiloaks work parties, David would always share his knowledge of the local flora and fauna.  Any question that he could not answer on the day would always be followed up with detailed research and the interesting findings used to enrich the volunteer's learning.

 

As well as whips our group has planted a range of native wild flowers including honeysuckle (loved by the dormice), primroses, and wild daffodils.  David added to plantings by encouraging his family to donate bulbs on his birthdays.

 

The Jubiloaks Team

December 2021

www.jubiloaks.org.uk

[email protected]