October 2003  - Edition No.86

Well, we certainly can't grumble about the weather this summer, although briefly as the children broke up from school, it looked as if it might change for the worse. And now here we are, in the middle of September, with blue skies, sunshine and temperatures in the 20s!

Contributions for Newsletter funds have been coming in steadily and I must thank everyone for their support. Special mention must be made of the proceeds of the raffle at the Open Garden Trails, the continued support of the Parochial Church Council and a generous cheque for £50 from the Devon North [Atlantic] Classic Motor Cycle Club following their successful international Scramble held at Sloley Park on the 16th and 17th August. The Chairman says that "the outstanding beauty of the North Devon countryside particularly impressed our European visitors, which should help the tourism industry next year.... but we are very aware that without the help and co-operation of the local community, we should be unable to stage the event. "

Don't forget if you have any problem picking up a copy of the Newsletter [that is if you don't have one delivered with the paper], a quick call to me can put your name on the mailing list.

Jigsaws aplenty! My stock of jigsaws in all shapes and sizes has, like Topsy, grown, and the loft is bowing under the weight of so many! So, thank you to everyone who has passed them on, but please no more! At least not for the time being as now I hope you will come and borrow them. So far requests have been slow but hopefully they will increase as the evenings draw in and we move into the winter months.

Having allowed Nigel some peace lately during the final year of his degree course, it is lovely to have another cover drawn by him - thank you. After five years of study, in Barnstaple and Exeter, Nigel has graduated with a B.A. Honours Degree in Fine Art at, as he says, the grand age of 51! Congratulations and well done!

I cannot believe that the next issue will cover Christmas and the New Year-again! Please hand in your regular and festive items for inclusion as soon as possible but no later than Wednesday, 12th November, either to Chicane or the Post Office.

It isn't always possible to hear of comings and goings, sickness, events or occasions that we should report or celebrate, so please forgive me if I have missed something, but also please, please contact me with your items of news - if I don't hear, I can't include!

Finally, thank you to everyone who has contributed to this, the 86th issue of our Newsletter.

Ed.