February 2009  - Edition No.118

Happy New Year [now well on its way]! I hope everyone had a happy and healthy festive season and that not too many succumbed to the 'in' virus. If you did, or were otherwise indisposed, I do hope you are feeling better now. We have all been very concerned about Gary, and Joyce of course, and it is good to report that he is progressing, slowly but hopefully surely, and that Joyce is coping admirably with the added pressure of daily visits to Exeter. Joyce and Gary have asked me to thank everyone for the many cards, 'phone calls, messages and offers of help they have received throughout Gary's illness, they have been a great comfort to them, and they would like to wish everyone a belated happy new year. We continue to think of you both and send our love, a message that is also sent to Sally.

The weather over the last few weeks has certainly been more seasonal, with heavy frosts - could it possibly mean a better summer? It is good, however, that the evenings are beginning to draw out and lovely to see the snowdrops once again.

Thank you to everyone who sent their Christmas message in the Newsletter and for your very generous donations, boosting both Manor Hall and Newsletter funds.

It was very pleasing to hear from Pam that John Fryer- Spedding, of the Calvert Trust [MOVERS AND SHAKERS - NO. 18], had found our Newsletter "a really most interesting publication" and congratulated us on "providing such a useful service to the community." That congratulation goes to everyone who contributes in any way to it - there would be nothing for me to type or edit without your articles, items of news, reports of your group's activities, and the wonderful illustrations, so please keep them coming! Yes, they will be needed again soon for the April and Easter issue and by Monday, 16th March, at the latest. Thank you.

There are a number of events planned for the next few weeks, many of them raising money for much needed village funds, so make a note of the dates and support them if you can.

Judie - Ed