There is time to be born, and a time to die, a time to plant, reap, cry, heal, laugh, and weep, always a time to love, yes even though times of hate, then a time to think and contemplate thoughts and actions of peace.

May was an extraordinary month for me, indeed for us locally and nationally, so a quieter more reflective start to glorious June would be wonderful.

Rev Jill Bentall and Rev Andy Fitchet were quietly dealing with the funerals of those known to us locally, whilst Mayors stood down and new ones started their terms of office.

Our prime minister chooses a dignified no fuss wedding, and huge steps have now been implemented to roll out the vaccine in unprecedented numbers uniting the expertise of the armed forces.

By the time you read this, The Riverside park will have had its grand opening event, while Fireaway in Bridge Street will have opened.

Nearer to home, I needed the services of the medical team at the Adelaide Medical Centre, and as always, they have been tremendous. So have management and staff at TVBC environmental services. When I stood down as one of their volunteers, their appreciation and gratitude for my years of service was humbling to receive.

Which brings me organically to the afternoon in 2004 when Les Morgan a dear friend, said to me:

“When you’re retired, Manuela, every day is a day off. So, you will no longer look forward to days off or bank holidays either.”

It has taken seventeen years for me to understand the significance of that statement, thankfully my attitude of gratitude campaign occupies my energies, passionately believing as I do, that we must justify the breath that we breathe whilst were alive to breathe it.

Speaking of which, our hospitality industry needs our support and not just here in Andover either. So far, I have dined or used the Wimpy, Rosebourne Garden Centre, Willows, Wetherspoons, Curry Leaf, Showboat. Meanwhile a quick walk through our town on a sunny day shows the alfresco culture alive and well, so may I wish you all a healthy, love and sun filled, June.