Thought for the Day with the Rev Richard de Vere

At this time of year many of us have made our New Year's Resolutions, which invariably involve diets, exercise regimes and the like, to shed those extra Christmas pounds.

For those of you struggling to keep to yours, I have a heartwarming tale. Last year one of my parishioners, Jennifer Pratte-Smythe who runs the organic pie stall at the Grantleigh Farmers' Market, lost no fewer than 8 stones! She was spurred on in her remarkable weight-loss programme by her ambition to play Lady Macbeth in this year's Grantleigh Amateur Dramatic Society production. A lesson in dedication and self-denial that would put most of us to shame, I think you'll agree.

As chairman of the casting committee, it was however my solemn duty to inform her that despite her highly commendable efforts, she still closely resembles the back of the Grantleigh to Little Piddle shuttle bus. The part has therefore gone to Stacey Stott (34C-24-34) of Grantleigh Harestylz in the High Street.