As I write, the weather is very unseasonably hot. The sun is shining, not a cloud in the sky and the countryside is looking wonderful. By the time you read this the weather will probably have returned to something like normal but I do hope you were able to enjoy a few days of summer over Easter. We have two bank holidays in May to look forward to as well, so let’s hope for similar good weather for these.

At the risk of becoming boring I am afraid I am returning to the theme of the printer which is in imminent danger of becoming homeless. The Editors, the Printers and members of our families have all been searching for somewhere to house the Marlpit printer for some time now with no result. Please may I ask again if anyone has a room in their home or office or business premises somewhere within the Marlpit area to save the day? We need a room for a printer which is about the size of a photocopier on a stand, somewhere to store the paper and sufficient room to set up a couple of tables to sort out all the sheets as they come off the printer and before they are put into the deliverers’ boxes. We print on 10 occasions a year and each print run takes about two days so we would not inconvenience anybody very much. Please look about your premises and see if there is a spare corner for us. The future of the Marlpit is now at stake. I have written out to various local organisations and await any replies with hope.

We have been most fortunate in finding a volunteer for the stapling and delivering formerly undertaken by Eddy Watts. This is a large area and we are very grateful for the help. We have also got a new proof-reader who will be going through the magazine

before it is printed to try and spot any glaring errors. My Mum, a former school teacher, aged 91years, is doing her bit for community service. You see you are never too old to be involved with the Marlpit. Unfortunately I cannot persuade her to take on a position as an Editor so we are still looking for someone to take over from Hilary. This work is really interesting and suits someone with a few organisational skills. I am sure you will find a larger advertisement for an Editor within the main pages. If you can spare a little time we would all be most grateful.

Finally you should have a small brown envelope attached to this month’s copy. This is for your voluntary donation to the running costs. As you know the Marlpit is a free magazine but the cost of paper, ink and renewing the printer periodically has to be met by something. Each year we ask if you will all be so kind as to give something towards these costs. This year collectors will be calling for your donations between 10th May and the 24th May. All will carry identification. It helps them a lot if you have your envelope ready for collection. In the event of missing your collectors call please can you drop your envelope through to any member of the editorial team.

BG