I recently saw the first snowdrops of the year, along with catkins and daffodils. Brilliant, I thought, the first signs of spring, but it seems I’m being impatient, because according to the Met Office, astronomically speaking, looking at the earth’s rotational spin, spring doesn’t start until the 20th of March. If you’d like your spring a bit earlier, you can use the meteorological calendar, based on the temperature cycle, and start putting a spring in your step from 1st March. Whichever date you prefer, in this issue Neil Maxwell is looking forward to green shoots in the housing market (p.12). While the charity Read Easy is keen to give adults with reading difficulties a fresh start, and to help improve their reading skills (p.25). On p.18 in Welcome Home, a Southsea house undergoes a transformation and lets in the light. Maybe that’s what we are all looking for as we contemplate spring, more light, more sunshine and more warmth — I can’t wait, whatever day it arrives. Kevin John Dean
