Welcome

fter the New Year celebrations and settling back into a routine, February has always felt to us like an opportunity to pause for a while and draw breath. Yes, it’s cold and wet, and the days are still too short and dark. But it’s no coincidence that this month is named for the Latin word februum which means purification.

There’s a sense of optimism in the air, that Spring is just around the corner, everything will get brighter and warmer, and we can embrace life again feeling refreshed and re-invigorated.

Of course this month also means Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, Half Term, Pancake Day, and Random Acts of Kindness Day (on the 17th). But we’ve also recently discovered that the Saxon term for the month, Sol-monath, means "cake month". This is because the Saxons offered cakes to the gods during this month –finally an excuse to eat more cake!

If previous years are anything to go by, February will disappear in the blink of an eye. So whatever this month has in store for you, we send you our warmest wishes.

Until next time,

PS: Did you know that February is also one of the most mis-spelled words in the English language?

Publisher

Christa Hallam Tel 07827 015170 christa@uselocally.co.uk

Administration

Michella George Tel 07415 751157 michella@uselocally.co.uk

Advertising

Michelle Priestley Tel 07436 626550 michelle@uselocally.co.uk

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March Issue Deadline

WEDNESDAY 9th FEBRUARY

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A swathe of bright blooms is hoping to show the district’s solidarity with Ukraine and friendship with its people this month. The display, part of Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Friendship Sunflowers Project, is now open at Southwell Minster and features scores of the yellow flowers, the national flower of Ukraine, which have been handmade by local people. Collated into an eye-catching piece by artist Sarah Manton, the 171 flowers range from felted creations made both by Vale View Craft Group and in free workshops with artists Eve Marshall and Elaine Winter, to patchworks by Southwell U3A Patchwork Group and sunflowers knitted by