December 2004  - Edition No.93

Would you believe that the coloured printing on the cover of the last issue would increase its weight? My digital scales are pretty accurate, but not accurate enough to save a scrupulous postal worker slapping overdue charges on many of the copies sent out by post. My sincere apologies to everyone who had to pay to receive their last Newsletter! Hopefully it was worth it and it won't happen again.

In October I thanked Nora and Alan for their support of the Newsletter and wished them well in their retirement. This time I should like to welcome Ross, the new Manager of our Community Shop, and his band of many merry helpers. More news from the Shop appears later. Alan was a great collector of news items for me and it is not so easy to do that with so many shop assistants. So, if you have any news - weddings, new babies, someone needing 'get better' wishes, or you have new neighbours - please do get in touch with me. No items appear without the consent of the people concerned.

Ten years ago I wrote 'Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the Newsletter over the last twelve months - sharing the poems you write and enjoy and your interests and hobbies, letting us join with you in your moments of celebration and happiness, and giving us pleasure from your artistic talents; and thank you must also go to the printers and deliverers.' Those sentiments are the same today with the addition of my thanks to everyone who contributes regularly for each issue.

Christmas is nearly upon us [only something like 19 more shopping days!] with lots of events leading up to the festive season, details of which appear elsewhere and in the Diary. Please support and enjoy them.

Our next issue will be February and items will be needed by Wednesday, 12th January, at the latest. Will someone start the ball rolling by sending a favourite photograph or picture [old or new] and telling us of the event or the memories it provokes?

Finally, thank you Debbie for another seasonal cover and my very best wishes to all readers for a happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year.

Judie - Ed