I don't much like February.

The month has Valentines Day which, for those of us with ravaged faces and lacking in the social graces, isn't always easy.

To be honest I wouldn't much like to be married, too much sharing and I don't even like tapas.

Nonetheless I'm not averse to a Valentine's card or two dropping on the doormat of my small Felixstowe flat with sea views (distant) and in Norfolk there's the tradition of Jack Valentine who drops off presents before vanishing into thin air, presumably because he's a not so keen on commitment.

Anyway, singledom has the huge advantage of being able to watch what you like on television which according to my married chums, is one of the things they seem to rather envy the most.

Thankfully February is short and heralds the lightening of the evenings which is always encouraging signs of spring-wise.

In other news my mother Sue has had some rather unpleasant dental work this week which hasn't been much fun for her.

Indeed the experience rendered Sue unable to speak, prompting my father Duncan to, somewhat bravely I thought, suggest that every cloud has a silver lining.

I cooked a roast chicken for Sue thinking that she might like the gesture and that it's easy to eat.

Interestingly, among my correspondents this week was Steven Cooke, of I am not sure where as he didn't say, who proffered a theory on the Bury St Edmunds Market Cross, a subject which I raised last week.

Mr Cooke wrote:

Hi James,

I believe the crosses on the market cross are a symbol of crucifix which represents fairness in trading, as that's the purpose of the old market cross buildings.

Regards,

Steven Cooke

This week has also seen our vicar Rosemary leave the ancient church of St James in the west Suffolk village of Icklingham where I am organist.

Rosemary once, tongue in cheek, suggested to me that the difference between a terrorist and an organist was that negotiation is possible with a terrorist.

Rosemary has now moved to nearby Gazeley and we wish her well in her new parishes.

Meanwhile at Icklingham we have been left with what is known in church circles as an interregnum – this means I get to choose the hymns.

If you would like to email james please do so at james.marston@archant.co.uk