This issue covers the whole Christmas period and shows what a wide range of social and celebratory activities take place in our villages. It is a time when people who would not otherwise do so venture into churches for that taste of Christmas tradition that carols and services provide. It is also a time for families to enjoy together and there is no doubt that village organisations are mindful of the needs of younger family members in the variety of events which they produce at this time of year
As a bit of a film buff, I am particularly pleased to see the arrival of our very own film festival, organised by local people who recognise the changing social needs of the villages and have taken the time and trouble to stitch together a very fine mini-festival at an affordable price. It will also be a chance to meet students from the University of Gloucestershire who are studying film and TV production and are producing their own work for us to see. I well remember the 2022 film Inland, made by a very young film-maker from Gloucester and set in the Forest of Dean and the city, which featured award-winning actor Mark Rylance. Perhaps one of these students will turn out to be as talented as Fridtjof Ryder.
Local talent is very much in demand by us at the moment — we at The Chimes are in desperate need of editorial help, both on the print version and the website. Please ask around for someone to step forward and make my Christmas happy — as I hope yours will be!

Cover: Christmas pictures from Years 3 and 4 at Lea Primary School

  Peter