Dear Reader

May is my birth month and also my favourite time of year when, on early morning walks, I can treasure nature bountifully unfolding itself in shades of green.  On bike rides from Geddington to neighbouring villages, I am reminded how fortunate we are to live in this county, as I watch the carpet of bluebells covering the woods of Boughton House, blossoms on the trees along the brook in Grafton Underwood with the new ducklings, stopping off for a refreshing coffee in one of the cafés, pubs or restaurants along the way.  My leisurely speed does not quite match that of the participants of the Aviva Women’s Tour, which will return to grace the roads of our county for the third time, see pages 62-63, nor is my bike of the calibre of those stocked by Gorilla Firm Cycling, see pages 54-55; if you are serious about cycling you will struggle to find a better store in the county or indeed the country.
 
For those who would like to explore our countryside a bit more, take part in Corby Outdoor Festival, see page 58, go to the Horse Trials at Rockingham, see pages 12-13, or take advantage of the rare opportunity to see The Flying Scotsman steam over the Harringworth Viaduct, see page 76.  Add to that, Music in Quiet Places in some of our beautiful historic settings, see page 66, various open gardens showing hidden gems of our country houses and villages, a plethora of fêtes and fairs, outdoor cinema and theatre, and you will not be short of things to do.
 
Two major national events will dominate the month of June:  The 90th birthday celebrations of Her Majesty The Queen and the EU referendum .  It should probably come as no surprise that, as a Dane who met her future husband whilst studying and working in France, later settling in the heart of England to raise a family and build a business, I am of the conviction that this wonderful country, I now call my home, would be best served by remaining an influential part of that bigger community that is Europe.  No man is an island; in this ever-changing and challenging world, working to support each other and tackle wider issues together, despite the frustrations that this entails, will always strengthen us.
 
As the pages ahead will demonstrate, street parties and village birthday celebrations will be in abundance and affirm our local and national community spirit throughout the coming months - a most fitting celebration of our dedicated and record-holding Sovereign.  So, from one pan-European family to another:  Happy 90th Birthday Your Majesty!

Hillcrest House

Church Hill

Geddington

Northants

NN14 1AH

Tel: 01536 744700