Can I ask you something? How many of you actually READ the Meridian? I only ask because one of our advertisers is convinced that most of you just pick it up off the doormat and file it somewhere (like the bin!) if this is indeed true then I am talking to myself again. Oh well, so what's new?

It cannot have escaped your notice that Christmas is nearly upon us. It seems to start earlier every year, I noticed Christmas puddings etc. on sale in a local supermarket before the children had gone back to school in September.! Check through the pages of your magazine to find out about any Christmas activities in Swavesey, and also for New Year.

Now here are my predictions for 2003:

• The A 14 will be at a standstill at least once a week, due to an accident/roadworks/ a JCB......!
• The debate on the Guided Bus will trundle on. (Which is more than the bus will be doing!)
• GCSE results will once again reach an all time high prompting comments that they are too easy.
• At least one Government minister will resign due to * pressure of work/personal circumstances/scandal/ill health. (* delete as appropriate)
• Your Meridian magazine will continue to come through your letterbox every two months.
  Merry Christmas!

Deadline for the February/March issue is 28th December, 3 days later than usual to give you something to do after you have eaten all the turkey, watched a film on TV that you have seen at least 3 times and need to do something cerebral for a change.

April Martin.
Swavesey Meridian Editor

Are you are having a pre Christmas clearout?

If you have anything saleable to dispose of the scouts would be happy to collect it.
Things such as jumble, bric-a-brac, toys etc,
or items for a tombola would be
gratefully received.

Please telephone
Val Sage 01954 230853
Thank you.

Just to say a very sincere thankyou to all my relatives and friends who have sent me flowers and plants, letters and cards with kind thoughts and best wishes, during my recent stay I hospital, - I am overwhelmed by them all, and most appreciative.
Thankyou to each one of you.

Ann Shepperson
Boxworth End Farm
Swavesey

We hope you will agree that her retirement should be marked in some way and to this end we have bought a large card which we hope as many people as possible will sign. Peter Marriot at the MARKET STREET NEWSAGENTS has kindly agreed to hold this card that has been specially chosen, so that if you would like to do so, you can please call in to sign it, and if you wish, leave a donation towards some flowers and a gift.

Yours sincerely,
Liz Milne

Thank you to all those of you who filled in our "Comments" form relating to our proposed new opening hours, they were much appreciated. Swavesey's new opening hours will take effect at the same time as the installation of the People's Network; sometime in the New Year.

It seems a while ago now since the summer but there were some children busy working their way through the "Reading Planet" scheme which ran during the school holiday. The children read one book a week and collected stickers to go on their special folders; completing the six books within the six weeks.

In September a presentation ceremony was held for the 29 children who managed to complete the scheme. The Children's Librarian, Anne Worthington, was assisted by Linda Miller, Swavesey's Parish Clerk, in awarding each of the children a medal and a certificate. They were justifiably proud of their achievement. With parents and families coming along to see their children receive their prizes and enjoying the snacks which followed, a lovely atmosphere was created. Hopefully, we will be able to do something like this again next year.

Before she left us in August, Dot McQuillen organised a sponsored read and raised £150 for the library. We decided to purchase a multicoloured kinderbox and a spaceship rug for the children's section.

Opening Times:

Tuesday & Wednesday 6.00 - 8.00pm
Thursday & Friday 2.30 - 5.00pm
Saturday 10.00 - 12.00noon