From the editor

Thank you for your kind comments on the February edition.  I’m also really pleased to see how many visits to the web site there have been.  I hope that  people will begin to make comments on articles in the future by logging on to www.needhamlink.co.uk 

A new group has been set up to co-ordinate the planning for a Queen’s Jubilee Event in the village. The Needham Village Diamond Jubilee Planning Group (NVDJPG) is proposing to hold a Jubilee Garden Party in the grounds of the village hall on Saturday 2 June.  This will be followed by a BBQ in the evening.  It would be wonderful if everyone in the village could celebrate this once in a lifetime event.  The planning is at early stage so your input would be very welcome. The next meeting will be on Thursday 1 March at the Red Lion. This is an excellent opportunity for the village to come together as a community.  Please keep an eye on the website and on the noticeboards for future dates.

I am very grateful to all the contributors to this edition of the Link.  This month’s cover is drawn by Flo Townley and represents so well the very welcome start of spring. The photograph of the Red Lion in the snow is by Vicky Townley.  The item on keeping fit is by Emily Orford, and Derek Buttle has so kindly written another article for us. If you would like something included in the next edition please contact me at Mill Farm Cottage in Mill Lane or e-mail me at needhamlink@gmail.com  I should be delighted to receive your contributions. The deadline for the next edition is 14 April

Thanks. Helen

You will see from the report on the latest Parish Council meeting that a resident raised the issue of dog fouling on the pavements.  For some time the problem seemed to go away but now it is unfortunately becoming common again.  Dog faeces can pose a significant health risk to humans, particularly young children as their immune systems are not fully developed.  All faeces contain bacteria that can cause stomach upsets, but the greatest risk is from toxocariasis.
Toxocariasis is particularly hazardous to small children as it can result in blindness.  If you have a dog please make sure you clean up after it.