April 2012  - Edition No.137

The clocks have gone forward and the lovely light evenings are getting longer. We are at another April Fools' Day, or All Fools' Day and although it is not a national holiday, it is widely recognised and celebrated as a day when people play hoaxes and other practical jokes - have you ever noticed the BMW advertisements which appear on that day? The earliest recorded connection between the 1st April and foolishness can be found in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales [1392].

It was good to hear from so many mail readers renewing their subscriptions and their generous donations were most welcome. It was also lovely to hear from Reg Ley, at school with Ron Toms and the only other survivor of the Home Guard featured in the December issue.

I always thank the contributors, especially the regulars and our artists in residence, and do so again for this issue. Some articles are numbered and as such indicate their longevity, but I should like to pay particular tribute to the un-numbered writers and those who report on their groups, etc.

Mary Tucker has kept us up to date on church matters since 1995, a total of 104 reports! Sue and Simon have been describing our weather since 1998. Crosswords have been compiled, with a few exceptions, by Brian Wright and Dave Beagley and Tony B's been amusing us with facts and fantasies over 81 issues. We've been kept up to date on what is happening at the School by Headteachers past and presently by Sue Carey and a warm welcome to Chris Steed and his letter after a short break since Keith retired.

The Wine Circle tastings have been described by Tom, Tony and now Judith, and Manor Hall Matters by John Hood, Bob Hobson and now Colin on his second stint! And last but not least, our nonagenarians Trev and Walter who have serenaded us in words and intrigued us with fascinating facts for the last four years. Thank you all. It's your input that makes our Newsletter, as so many people say, special and the best they've read!

Long may that continue and I'll be looking forward to hearing from you, and new contributors, as soon as possible by the 8th May at the latest for the June issue. There are lots of events planned for the coming weeks so do make a note of them and every effort to join in.

Finally, a warm welcome to all newcomers and get better soon wishes to those currently not feeling at their best.

Judie - Ed