Dear Reader

After a wet and windy start to the winter we have lately been blessed with sunny and frosty days - my favourite kind.  Such days when on crisp, early morning walks you can see the sun rise in splendours of pinks and blues, watch the horizon in flames at dusk, followed by clear, starry nights. It was one of such nights that we were lucky enough to spot the space station cross over the sky - makes you feel humbled by the magic of our universe.
 
Now more magic is unfolding as the season of new beginnings, spring, is upon us.  You hear the birds exuberant with joy getting ready for the next cycle of life, and watch spring flowers piercing the ground and blossoms sprinkled on bushes and trees.  Great sounds and visions indeed.
 
Charles Taylor is a young man who despite a severe disability has found his vision in life crafting beautiful pieces for wildlife and gardens, see page 34-35.  One of his garden troughs or bird boxes would make a wonderful present for Mother’s Day or Easter.  These coming spring events can be celebrated at many places throughout our area, perhaps with Easter Egg hunts at Kelmarsh Hall, see page 56, or Lyveden, see page 70?  There are plenty of activities catering for all ages to be found on the pages ahead, and on pages 8-9 you will find an opportunity to win tickets to Kelmarsh Country Show.
 
Francophiles can enter the competition on page 90 to win a copy of ’Je mourrai moins bête’, expressions not usually found in the dictionary, compiled and illustrated by two local women.    On another literacy note, Beanstalk, see page 80, is looking for volunteers for their charity offering help with reading in primary schools.  If you fancy a more physical challenge for spring, you can run a Race for Life, see page 102; take up clog dancing, see page 66; join Wellingborough and District Ramblers, see page 86; or help support Cransley Hospice in one of their many fundraising challenges listed on page 104.
 
This March & April issue is celebrating eleven years of Village Connect, with a circulation now extended to 20,000 copies, ten-fold its original in 2005.  Thank you for your continued support and have a wonderful spring.
 

Hillcrest House

Church Hill

Geddington

Northants

NN14 1AH

Tel: 01536 744700