June 2008  - Edition No.114

June - and will it 'flame' for us? Let's hope so. Where, I wonder, does the expression originate - was it an expression before Frederick Lord Leighton used it as a title for one of his paintings in about 1895? Lord Leighton [1830-1896] was one of the finest artists of the Victorian era and one-time President of the Royal Academy.

It is always a pleasure to hear from readers and Stanley Barnes, from York, tells me that his aunt, Bessie Stephens [nee Harding] used to play the harmonium in the church over many years, and his father - a part-time organist - would play in the church when holidaying in the village.

Alvina Irwin recognised her father, Edwin Archibald Richards, in the photograph of the dancing class at Old Court. Brother of Fred, seated on the left, he is standing on the far right, sporting, as so many of the young men are, a flower in his lapel but also his treasured watch and chain. Can anyone else identify some of the dancers?

Best wishes and get better soon to all readers not feeling at their best at the moment and our thoughts are particularly with Len and June and, of course, 'our' Ron.

Grateful thanks to everyone who has sent or given donations, but special thanks to Phil and Lynne for the £100 donation following the Barn Dance, and Jill and Rainer for the £87 from the proceeds of the sale of the Flower Pot Men books. 'Every little helps' - to quote we know who! - but these generous contributions are extremely welcome.

Do you remember last August's cover? Two views from Napps painted by Nigel and kindly sponsored by Mike and Sue Richards. Mike and Sue have very kindly offered to sponsor another cover and this time we have Debbie's views from Napps - a big thank you to all three of you.

More thanks to all contributors - poets, writers, artists, puzzlers - keep the items coming! August will be the next issue and it will incorporate the Schedule and Entry Forms for the Horticultural and Craft Show, so make sure you get your copy and get those entries in! All items are most welcome and they should be in at the Shop or Chicane as soon as possible please, and by Monday, 14th July, at the latest.

Judie - Ed