After an amazing March came a more conventional April, with frequent downpours of hail and rain, starting, rather ironically, as soon as the hosepipe ban was imposed. The rain was, however, much needed and will make our lawns and gardens look green and lush for the May Day dancing and Diamond Jubilee celebrations we will be enjoying in the months ahead.

Not surprisingly, most of the events in this bumper edition of Village Connect is based around Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee and the colours red, white and blue will be predominant throughout this issue, right from the front cover with royal cygnets to posters of street parties and other village celebrations. Read the delightful description by Sandra Naylor on pages 60-61 of her vivid memories of the Coronation sixty years ago, as well as Camille Ortega McLean’s poem in honour of the Diamond Queen on page 32, complete with a launch of a commemorative jam: the Jubilee Jamboree.

Water is another strong component of this issue, from the feature on the newly restored Woodford Mill, see pages 12-13, to the recruitment of rowers to Oundle Town Rowing Club on page 78, and the open day at Middle Nene Sailing Club on pages 124-125. If you prefer exercise on drier ground, take part in the fourth Corby Walking Festival, see page 84, join Burton Town Bowls Club, see page 129, or try out the Gyrotonics and Gyrokinesis described
on pages 56-57.

Art classes and concerts are plenty in the coming months, many taking place in the stunning settings of our historic country houses. The season is full of open gardens, fêtes and flower festivals in our charming villages, strengthening my preference for this time of year. Everything is bountiful and fresh, the circle of life starts again and I, for my part, intend to spend as much time as possible in our beautiful countryside.

Let the celebrations begin...

Vivi Sant Cole 

Village Connect

Hillcrest House

Church Hill

Geddington

Northants

NN14 1AH

Tel: 01536 744700