Dear Reader

2016 - a new year dawns.  When the bells chime at midnight, most of us will look back on 2015, reflecting on good memories to treasure and making plans to improve ourselves in the new year ahead.

If you wish to become healthier and take up a more active life-style, there are plenty of incentives to be found in the pages ahead.  Walking for health, page 80, joining a running club, page 50, taking up volleyball, page 60, or Pilates, page 38; the choices are endless, and Waterloo Cottage Farm is launching a series of healthy eating sessions, see pages 20-21.

Should you, like me, be suffering from ‘Strictly’ withdrawal symptoms ever since that Glitter Ball Trophy was awarded, may I suggest that you join ‘Tango Anton’, see pages 34-35, for one of his many local dance classes; Anthony is an amazing teacher with a great sense of humour, and we certainly enjoy ourselves whilst attempting to learn the Argentine Tango.
If your direction of self-improvement is more on the philosophical side, wanting to make a difference to someone, why not consider becoming a foster carer, see page 102, or a volunteer for Home-Start, see page 84, or helping out at some of our wonderful historic buildings such as Lyveden, see page 88 and depicted on the stunning front cover photo, or Kelmarsh Hall & Gardens, see pages 78-79.

Maybe you will be looking for a new job?  Read Helen Bach’s struggles with interviews on page 48 or Anne Widdup’s article on empowering yourself for positive change on page 62.  Rockingham Forest Trust is teaching traditional crafts at Stanwick Lakes, page 74, which may lead you to consider starting up your own business?  If it is inspiration to do just that you need, read about Tap & Kitchen, pages 16-17, and Saxby’s Cider, pages 42-43, both recently formed companies that achieved high accolades at the Carlsberg UK Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards 2015/2016.

Looking further afield, maybe this is the year you would like to expand your horizons and travel the world?  There are two great competitions and offers on tickets to The Adventure Travel Show, pages 82-83, and The Cruise Show on page 94.  The world is your oyster!  February also sees Valentine’s Day with special menus at our local pubs and restaurants.  Read Camille Ortega McLean’s suggestions on page 32 on how to treat the love of your life on Valentine’s morning or, should proposals be on the agenda, look to pages 12-13, displaying wonderful iconic wedding dress styles at Icon Bridal.  2016 is a leap year, don’t forget girls: Monday 29th is your chance to take charge...

May your 2016 be happy, healthy and full of opportunities!

Hillcrest House

Church Hill

Geddington

Northants

NN14 1AH

Tel: 01536 744700