Woo Hoo! I am getting bin bags. Yes, I know, little things please little minds, but I have made a bit of fuss because I haven t been receiving bin bags, and I feel I should acknowledge the fact that, to date, I have received two. I have to thank my local

Woo Hoo! I am getting bin bags. Yes, I know, little things please little minds, but I have made a bit of fuss because I haven't been receiving bin bags, and I feel I should acknowledge the fact that, to date, I have received two. I have to thank my local councillor Jackie Petts who intervened on my behalf and dealt with my rantings on the subject with patience and good humour.

To all the people who have emailed and stopped me in the street to ask if I have done a hand-stand yet, the sad answer is no. I have had a bad back, which may be the result of my hand-standing attempts or more likely gardening, but I am convinced that I am physically fit enough to do a handstand, it's just a mental block. I have yet to convince my brain that it is indeed possible.

Thank you to the ladies of the Sutton WI who wrote me a kind letter. The ladies have asked me to come along and give a talk which I am more than happy to do.

The Oliver Cromwell celebrations take place in Ely on Saturday and it should be a fun day for everyone. I love historical re-enactments and the people who take part in these kind of events are always a bit quirky and interesting. Now, there has been a little controversy over the event, in that an Ely councillor who felt upset that the district council should celebrate or mark Cromwell's life by organising such an event decided to take matters into his or her own hands and contacted a white witch to scupper the event. As you do! I mean let's face it, most people would have written a letter to the local paper outlining their objections. I just can't imagine the thought processes that ended with this person saying 'right that's it, I going to get someone to cast a spell'.

I am all for people standing up for what they believe in and defended their heritage, but the district council have not labelled the event as a celebration of Cromwell's life. If I have understood it correctly, it is a fantastic opportunity for us all to understand a bit more about life in Ely 350 years ago. Visitors will have the chance to see costumes and customs of the time and understand a bit more about this controversial, but highly influential figure who made his home in Ely. In an acknowledgement of some of Cromwell's decisions, visitors to the Oliver Cromwell house are asked to vote on whether they think Cromwell is a hero or villain, and although I think it would probably take a history degree to put everything in context before being able to make an informed decision, I hope people will come along and enjoy the educational and fun aspects of the event and leave the moral judgements for another day.

On Sunday it is the Great Ely Walk, which is organised by the lovely, hard-working folk who make up Ely Rotary Club. A great way to have a leisurely walk around Ely and raise some money for your favourite charity. See pages 10 and 11 for details.

Oh, and don't forget to take a brolly with you if you should venture out on Saturday, as I understand the forecast is for rain!