February 2012  - Edition No.136

Christmas is over and we are now well in to the New Year. The Christmas festivities in the village were successful and happy, enjoyed by everyone. The bumper crop of messages in the Newsletter boosted Manor Hall and Newsletter funds by the tune of £150 each - thank you - and the Carol Singing in the Square raised over £100 for Devon Air Ambulance.

The season brought with it the inevitable coughs and colds and get well wishes go to everyone who has suffered or is not feeling too great at present. There have also been one or two 'comings and goings' and our good wishes go to everyone who has left the village and a warm welcome as well to all newcomers.

Thank you to Paul whose illustrations continue to enhance our newsletter and there are lots of interesting articles again in this issue and my thanks to everyone who has put pen to paper or gone on their computer and e-mailed me.

Our printer is anxious to have the 'copy' slightly earlier and so that I can do this, I must in turn put the deadline for articles earlier. Instead of mid-month preceding issue, I should appreciate having articles, etc., by the end of the first week. It might be helpful, especially to regular contributors, to make a note of the new deadlines:

• 8th March - for April issue - due out 29th March
• 8th May - for June issue - due out 31st May
• 9th July - for August issue - due out 2nd August
• 10th September - for October issue - due out 4th October
• 8th November - for December issue - due out 29th November
• 8th January 2013 - for February issue - due out 1st February

Whilst the evenings are drawing out, the mornings still seem very dark but spring is not far away. However, the flowers seem totally confused! There are daffodils, primroses, camellias and snowdrops flowering alongside roses and last year's summer bedding plants still giving bright colours!

A reminder that British Summer Time starts on Sunday morning, 25th March!

Judie - Ed