IN response to the remarkably wide-ranging rural community I have been reporting on since I cautiously signed on to write for NOTA last year, I offer many thanks for your actual recognition that a free printed paper is still possible.

As a freelance correspondent (not sure I qualify as a journalist) offering pertinent, local weekly stories I’ve been so blessed to meet many people, in many circumstances within and extending across our immediate district, and will continue to carry this attitude into 2024.

NOTA has been a blessing for my writing practice; the deadlines, the formatting, the fact checking and quote clarifications are all worth the effort.

I sleep well at night and wake knowing the sun comes up, as usual, with lots of goodness and great stories to come.

As well as my NOTA writing, I have recently published a second collection of Illustrated Poetry, and my artworks, along with my books, will on exhibition at the South West Rock Art Gallery from 29 January 2024 till Sunday 11 February, with a combined artist’s ‘meet and greet’ on Sunday 4 February.

See you all in the new year.

By Jen HETHERINGTON