The snow is melting, the buds on our camellia are appearing, the pansies seem to have resisted the frost and there is a warm sun inviting us to spend a lunch-hour on a deck chair. Is this truly the beginning of the end of winter?

Let’s not be too sure for the coldest days are traditionally held to be between the end of January and the start of February. However, it is wonderful to have a sunny day like today to encourage one to hope in a spring that will bring new life to our suffering planet. And every day we have now lasts that little bit longer for we are now well past the darkest night of the winter solstice.