THE clocks have been changed, the days are longer, and we are enjoying wonderful weather and beautiful garden displays.

Once more the sounds of summer are with us: lawn-mowers, hedge-trimmers, weed-eaters and in the orchards nearby, spray machines.

The children are now back at school and regular activities continue as usual in the village.

This Sunday is the Morning Service at 9.30am in the church. All welcome. Please remember, if you have any donations for the local Food Bank, you are welcome to place them in the box just inside the church door.

The regular fortnightly Bible Studies have commenced again and the next one will be on Tuesday, April 28, 10am, at Sally and Hugh’s home. The group are reading and discussing the Gospel of Mark.

On Thursday, May 7, all are encouraged to head for the polling booths at the Memorial Hall to cast a vote. If you have recently moved, you must register to vote at your new address. You can visit Register to Vote to ensure your right to do so.

And finally, I am back from attending our son’s wedding in South Africa and while enjoying this wonderful occasion, also had the not-so-pleasant experience of a close up encounter with a reptile that you certainly won’t see in this neck of the woods: a boomslang, southern Africa’s most venomous snake. Fortunately, and even miracuIously, I was not bitten.

VALERIE CLARK 01531 630257