2012 was a big year for British celebrations: Diamond Jubilee, London 2012, 50 years of Bond, Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Despite freak weather, flash flooding and financial crisis these celebrations helped lift our spirits, reinforce our pride in our nation and our community and make us reflect on what matters in life: being together. The announcement of a royal baby to arrive in 2013 finishes the year on a high note and aptly marks new
beginnings.

One particular inheritance of London 2012 has been the surge in interest for sports in general and for cycling in particular, so it is great to read about the Oundle On Your Bike initiative on page 88. Many of us will resolve to take up more exercise or embark on a diet in the New Year. There is a join-forfree voucher for Rosemary Conley classes on page 39 and you can read about an unconventional approach to dieting on pages 64-65.

If your resolution is to de-clutter, turn to page 44 to read Kiki Everard’s helpful advice. If you wish to make a difference to someone you could find inspiration in Janice Morris’ article on volunteering on page 92 or, if you resolve to read more books, there are no less than three books of local interest, for both young and old, featured on pages 74, 96 & 97. Dedicated culture vultures will be pleased to find a myriad concerts, pantomimes, operas, plays and cinema screenings in the pages ahead as we gradually leave the darker days behind and move towards spring and lighter hours.

2013 will be a personal milestone for my husband and I, as we celebrate our Silver Wedding Anniversary. However, for the first time since we met, we shall not toast this special year in together. Due to heavy exam schedules for both our sons, John will stay at home while I go to see our daughter in Australia - fulfilling, at the same time, a life-long ambition of watching the firework display over Sydney Bridge and experiencing the iconic Opera House designed by my fellow countryman, Jørn Utzon.

It’s a small world, they say, and where bonds are strong, distance doesn’t really matter - yearnings of the heart will travel far, so I’ll be with you in my thoughts...

A happy and healthy 2013 to you all 

 

 

 

 

 

Vivi Sant Cole 

Village Connect

Hillcrest House

Church Hill

Geddington

Northants

NN14 1AH

Tel: 01536 744700