Citizen editor: Heartwarming tale shows time spent with our children is vital

ON Friday, after a week of snow, The Citizen published a heartwarming picture, amid all the cold, of Simon the snowman.

Simon was the product of the Jones family of Hardwicke. We felt it gave everyone a laugh in what had been a bad week for travelling to work, getting to school and looking after relatives marooned by snow.

Then, later on Friday, we had a note from the "architect" behind Simon's creation – dad Iwan Jones who had told his sons, Elliot, eight ,and Zak, five, that he "used to be the world champion snowman builder".

What happened is chronicled by Iwan in some detail on page four today.

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We are printing their lovely little tale in full because we think it is brilliant.

At a time when our youngsters are obsessed with Xboxes and the like, isn't there just a bit of room for some old-fashioned family bonding with something like building a snowman?

Children need time from their parents more than anything. Money can buy those Xboxes and phones, but to spend real time with your children is what they really need and enjoy.

Please read the story of Simon on page four and let us know what you think. Perhaps you believe you are the world champion snowman builder and have the pictures to prove it. Send them to: ian.mean@glosmedia.co.uk.

CIVIC watchdog Kay Powell is a powerful voice in Gloucester for all sorts of causes.

But we feel she should be wary of crossing swords with those of us, including the youngsters, who love the sight of the rabbits on the Barnwood roundabout.

As readers may know, the Barnwood Bunnies Facebook page and Twitter account have a big following as a result.

Kay said the rabbits are legally classified as a pest and asked if it was a good use of council time. Councillor Kathy Williams said she might be in the minority.

She is right. Hands off our Barnwood Bunnies, Kay. Pests indeed!