Yet again I’m afraid I have to start my editorial with some very sad news. It is with deep regret that we have to say farewell to Albert Johnson, who passed away on Friday 24th March. Albert who had been Parish Council Chairman for some 20 years up to his retirement will be greatly missed in the village, and our sincere condolences go out to all his family and friends.

On a happier note you will notice on the front cover a few words of praise for our Village magazine two years running now we have been finalists in the Village/Community Magazine Awards I have enquired what we need to do to win the title, and the answer is quite simple more input from you, as members of the community. Send me articles, letters, drawings anything will do. We also need more input from local business, so come on you local companies let’s have something, what are you doing, how long have you been here, why set up your business in Reach etc. etc. We can win this illustrious title if we try.

The Fair is upon us again, this time it’s the 800th and I’m told this one will be even bigger and better than the last, even spreading on to the playing field. A total of 25 boats are due to arrive at the Hythe (Just like old times) for the weekend.

Starting on Friday 28th April in the evening the celebrations will commence with a country and western performer, who be entertaining us in the marquee, Saturday night is the traditional pie and wine making competition, this year to be judged by our very own ‘Chef de excellence’ Phil Vincent from The Dyke’s End. So get baking and brewing. On the Sunday night we have a Fair Quiz night with a wonderful shield to have your teams name engraved on. (Thank you Phil for sponsoring this event.). As the teachers say get revising, maximum of 5 per team no exceptions this year I’m afraid. Then of course on Monday May 1st at midday the fair gets going - till late, A Tug of War competition in the evening between local pubs (and not so local) and the band Slingshot will play the weekend out. Sounds like a great weekend so please come along help get it set up, started and cleared away. See you all there.

Sue has asked me to tell you that she will have T-shirts, and sweat shirts, for adults and children alike on sale at the Fair, the shirt will have a 3 inch logo on it as per the front cover of this magazine. If you require one before the big day please phone with your order, numbers are limited so be quick. Phone Sue Summers on 742884, for prices, sizes and colours.

We are hoping to set up a camera on fair day that will broadcast live to the world via the internet, it will appear on our webcam page at www.reach.drakken.com. So those of you who have left the village for foreign parts can virtually once again take part in the great tradition of Reach Fair.

“De ja vous” Overheard in the Dyke’s End the other evening “Good Night William” sorry Ian I had to mention it!!.