SPRING HAS ARRIVED Isn't it good to know that there are signs of Spring around us! As I write this, daffodils, crocuses and primroses are adorning the roadsides and cheering everyone's spirits. We haven't experienced much warmth yet, unless you have been in the sunshine and out of the wind, but we know that things are moving in the right direction and we can start talking about outdoor events without needing to cover ourselves in layers of clothing for every venture out of the door, So, on our list of diary dates, we are able to include the Good Friday service at the bandstand and our sunrise welcome to Easter Day, I'm not able to promise fine, warm weather but we can hope!

MARCH HAS BROUGHT US OUT OF WINTER. The first event was the church committee on the 3rd of the month with the usual lively discussion of matters concerning the life of our community and a tempting list of forthcoming events to inspire our life together. It was good for some of our members to meet together for the Ash Wednesday service; a good occasion to begin our observance of Lent, a season which has continued with a Bible-based discussion each week in the Lent group and, of course, the Lent lunch for the benefit of Christian Aid, but also to be a good occasion for members of other churches, and of none, to come together and to chat in a relaxed atmosphere. The first of the series was at St Mark's on 14 March and was well attended and much enjoyed, fuelled by home-made soup as well as bread and cheese. As always, the members of St Mark's came up trumps and our church members and visitors were welcomed into a nicely decorated church room with tables set out attractively. Those of us who have coffee and cake after Sunday services and who come for other events have seen changes in the room in recent months with new radiators and lights and many unnecessary items taken away. Many thanks to Dave Richards and Dave Hudson for all they have done. And there are plans for more changes to come. A number of those who visited commented on how cheerful our garden looked. Well done Dave H and Tony!

LOOKING BACK AND LOOKING FORWARD. On Sunday 16 March we held St Mark's Annual Meeting which was a great opportunity to remind ourselves of our activities through the year, with a collection of photographs assembled by Carol Richards. There were reports from the Resident Priest, the Churchwardens, the Electoral Roll Officer, the Organist and Choir Master and other Officers. All were thanked for their contributions to the life of the church. Anne Roper and I were re-elected as Churchwardens and were delighted to accept your trust for another year; we cannot think of a better church of which to be churchwarden. We are very pleased to be joined on the Church Committee by Mike Keats and Anne Johnson. We want to thank Jenny Lazenbury and Jean Bettles, who stand down after three years service. We also welcome Nicky Dolton onto our team of Welcomers and to read lessons from time to time.

COMING UP. As I write we are looking forward to the "St Mark's Goes Global" evening which looks like a lot of fun, on 22nd March. We then follow the period of Lent and Holy Week to the joy of Easter. Look carefully at the dates above so that you don't miss anything you would like to join us for during April and make the dates known to family and friends, so that they can join us as well!

With all best wishes for the coming month and into the future.

John Way Churchwarden.