A poetic reminder about the importance of planning before you drive this season!

A Winter's Tale

Twas a night before Christmas, and all through the land

Not a creature was stirring – their journey was planned

They’d made time for winter, their car was prepared

For the family journey: no need to be scared

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of Christmas Day danced in their heads,

We would be visiting Grandpa and Ma

Presents all wrapped, in the boot of the car

Time for a rest, we’re leaving early next morn

I sat down by the fire – and stifled a yawn

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from my doze to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters, and threw up the sash.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

The blizzard was awful, his reindeer can’t fly

(a severe weather warning had closed down the sky!)

He must use the motorway, he’d heard they get busy

Poor Santa Claus was all of a tizzy.

So I sat the old fellow down in a fireside chair

And explained to him what I’d done to prepare.

As well as the presents, the car had inside

A shovel and ice scraper, for a less worrisome ride.

An emergency kit and stuff to keep ourselves warm,

Just in case we get stuck (though it’s out of the norm)

We’d topped up the anti-freeze, got de-icer as well

The battery was healthy for a cold winter spell

We’d checked over the tyres, the wipers and lights …

For a clear view ahead through dark, snowy nights

Santa said he’d prepared – no need to panic

Rudolph was rather a good sleigh mechanic!

He’d got plenty of warm clothing and a cosy white beard

But really the state of the traffic he feared!

Travelling hither and thither, in the dark and the snow

With so many people, would the going be slow?

So I switched on the website to show him the view

From motorway cameras – and traffic flow too

His eyes — how they twinkled! He could now see his way

To visit all children before Christmas Day

His journey was planned. His sleigh full of toys

Plenty of time to visit all girls and boys

He whistled to Rudolph and flew off in the night

and I heard him exclaim, as he drove out of sight

A Happy Christmas to all, where e’er you should roam

Make time for winter – and a safe journey home

For more handy tips when driving this winter, visit www.highways.gov.uk/winter

MAKE TIME FOR WINTER

Charity opens new chapter with reserves book

A new book featuring some of Devon's top beauty spots has been released this month. Devon Wildlife Trust - Nature Reserves is the result of nearly 50 year's work by the charity caring for the county's environment. The new book offers portraits of 20 of Devon Wildlife Trust's most stunning nature reserves in every corner of the county. It uses beautiful landscape and wildlife photography - many of its pictures have never been seen before. The book's author and DWT's Communications Co-ordinator Stephen Hussey said: "Devon contains some of the most spectacular wildlife and wild places in the UK, Devon Wildlife Trust has the responsibility of caring for these. This book shows just what a special place our county is and the work that we do as a charity in looking after it." The book has been made possible thanks to sponsorship from South West Water. The company's Chief Executive, Chris Loughlin, said: "South West Water has supported the work of the Devon Wildlife Trust for many years, and it is a pleasure to sponsor this beautiful book celebrating some of our region's best-loved nature reserves."By working in partnership with organisations such as the Devon Wildlife Trust, we hope to play our part inpreserving and protecting the environment forfuture generations to enjoy." The book means there has never been a better time to become a member of Devon Wildlife Trust since every new member will receive the 100 page guide as part of their joining package. Membership of Devon Wildlife Trust costs from as little as £2 per month. People can join by visiting http://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/ or calling DWT on 01392 279244.

Charity awards volunteers at AGM

Volunteers from around Devon have received awards this month as part of Devon Wildlife Trust's Annual General Meeting. The awards were set up to celebrate local people who give their time to help wildlife. The event was held at The Watermark, Ivybridge on Saturday 30 October. Appropriately, this was national Make a Difference Day an annual celebration which is held each year and aims to promote the idea of volunteering to more people. Eight volunteers were given awards including Dan Best from Torbryan, Graham Curtis from Exmouth, David Fitter from Dolton, Paul Madgett from Braunton, Libby Ross from Whimple, Peter Smith from Exeter, Terry Ackland from Kingsteignton and Sandy Backus from Lustleigh. Dawn Lenn, DWT's Volunteers Officer said: "These volunteers have been singled out as shining examples of people that give their time freely and cheerfully to help with conservation work throughout the county. They give time regularly to help DWT in many ways from helping with DWT's website, fundraising, Local Groups, nature reserves and Wildlife Watch groups for children. The volunteers selected this year are just a handful of the hundreds of volunteers without whom the charity would not achieve so much as we do for Devon's wildlife." For more information about volunteering and how to get involved, visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org