WELL for those of you who are fed up tripping the block fantastic there are good news. The paving work has begun and you should be able to glide smoothly across the renewed pavements with the ease of a swan. I can't wait.

I took my children to see Peter Pan last week at the Swan and lo and behold I saw lots of local faces so congratulations to you for making it such a fabulous performance. I really enjoyed it and my kids wanted to come back the next night. I also have to confess that not only was it my children's first panto, but mine too. I now know that I had a very disadvantaged childhood. My kids were a bit embarrassed by me as I really got into the swing of things very early on. I shall never forget the sidelong looks my daughter (8) kept giving me. That in itself was encouragement to be even more noisy.

PLEASE let me have all your news, views and events over the next few weeks. I am still looking for a fencer and now I need a hall as well for a big party, don't tell anybody but hubby has got to a certain age and I have left it all rather too last minute again to arrange a decent bash. Oh well, at least I know the food is taken care of and will be fantastic. Any last minute ideas for a different (in a clean way please) type of party?

By Mimi Harker