June 2001  - Edition No.72

The weather, as I prepare this issue, is glorious and we have been enjoying an extended [more than just one day!] spring holiday - so welcome after what seems to have been a long, wet and miserable winter. Certainly the flowers this year have been magnificent - first the wonderful displays of primroses and now the bluebells and wild garlic in abundance in the banks and hedgerows.

This issue's delightful cover by Paul Swailes depicts hedgerow flowers in all their glory - the colour and scent, however, must be left to your imagination!

My thanks go to Paul and everyone else who has contributed to this issue - long may your offerings continue!

In fact those offerings, articles and items, for the August edition will be welcome any time and by THURSDAY, 12TH JULY at the latest - the earlier date than usual is due to the imminent closure of the College, our printing facility, which is most appreciated.

Paul, one of our newsletter 'artists in residence' was educated at Barnstaple Grammar School and after attending the University of Leeds, where he studied Geography and Economic History, and teaching in Leeds, he returned to North Devon in 1986 to take up a post at Ilfracombe College. He and his wife, Lisa, who also teaches at the College, have two sons and live in Ilfracombe.

Although not formally trained in art, it clearly forms a major part of Paul's life and this, together with travel, photography and collecting British Victorian stamps, are his main hobbies.

Paul kindly [or was he foolhardy!] offered his services to our Newsletter for issue No. 7 in August 1990. Although it is some time now since his work appeared on one of our covers, there have been only four issues since then [the last of which was February 1992] in which there has not been at least one of his illustrations!

Not only has Paul illustrated the Newsletter - particularly the poetry and Local Walk - he has enhanced the covers of various village programmes, participated in 'A Country Collection' - our Art Exhibition last May - and his work, selling as Notelets, has put pennies in the coffers!

Always willing to help, and invariably at short notice, Paul's contribution and support of our Newsletter is greatly appreciated by me, as I am sure it is by all the readers. Our wholehearted thanks, Paul.

Ed.