Aycliffe Monthly #3 | Page 5

AYCLIFFE TODAY MONTHLY | 5 @AYCLIFFETODAY WELCOME CONTENTS Welcome to the second issue of Aycliffe Today Monthly. Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush. Well, that’s what US columnist and editor Doug Larson once wrote. And it’s hard to disagree. That spring feeling puts a certain spring in the step - even with a shoe full of whatever - and now the dreary, depressing winter months are behind us, it’s time to dust down the gardening tools and dig out the paint. Isn’t it? For some of us, maybe. For others, it might be the dodgy flip-flops or shocking shades. Or perhaps it’s time to get the soft top down, if you’re that way inclined. Whatever floats your boat, spring is to be enjoyed. Nay rejoiced. It signals the return of light nights, it’s the beginning of another belting summer (we hope), which means it’s almost time for our famous outdoor parties. Put another shrimp on the Barbie. For some, spring marks the beginning of the cricket season, and our very own men in white have started in ernest. They’re in training now and have already made an impressive triple signing ahead of the new season - see page 13 for more details. In this issue of Aycliffe Today Monthly… Someone else with a permanent spring in his step is John Clare, councillor for both Aycliffe Town and Durham County councils, who talks to reporter Chloe McKenna in a special feature on page 8. I’m yet to meet anyone who is as passionate and talks so positively about Newton Aycliffe as John. A man of many words - and a tendency for the odd controversial one admittedly - he is, in my humble opinion, one of Great Aycliffe Council’s gems. If only all our councillors were like him. Aycliffe Police Team Sergeant Mark Edwards, meanwhile, has a penchant for springing surprises, but it’s normally to catch wr