Well folks we are now officially in Autumn - the season that offers up so many changes as we witness nature doing its own wonderful thing. Lush green leaves start slowly turning to stunning shades of red, gold and amber and evenings become cooler and dusky as the autumnal sky starts to darken a little earlier each day. Our cover photograph is very much in tune with this month - all over the countryside we will no doubt see huge, fat, golden haystacks prepared as fodder to sustain the farmer’s livestock during the cold winter months. Many thanks to Victoria Jones for providing us with this beautiful imagery that is so symbolic of English farming practices at this time of year.
And staying on the subject of old English traditions we bring to you the ancient craft of bell ringing. We have a wonderful article on page 12 written by the Tower Captain of St Leonard’s Church in Clent. Martin beautifully describes the art of bell ringing; some of the different customs, the sizes and weights of the bells and of course the social side of being part of a group of bell ringers! It’s intriguing - if you wish to try your hand at it there are many local churches that are openly welcoming to newcomers.
Have you had a laid back summer accompanied by tea parties, barbecues and too many cold beers? Do you want to get back to optimum fitness? We have just the thing for you! Get off that couch and run 5k - yes it’s back and starting 13th September for 9 weeks. Couch to 5k on Hagley Playing Fields - see page 10 for more details.
To cheer up all you doggy lovers we have a lovely report from Home Run Hounds on page 15. It was Tim’s fifth birthday back in July and he celebrated in style, however things have moved on since and now he is looking for his forever home. Check out his portrait - dressed up in his birthday best with a magnificent tongue! We dare you not to fall in love with this most handsome of all pooches ♥
Just a quick note before we sign off - the date has changed for the Lviv Aid Event at Hagley Community Centre. It will now be taking place on the evening of Saturday 26 October - see page 38 for further info. Take care all, have a good September and we’ll catch up again in October
Alison Akers Editor
Cover photo courtesy of Victoria Jones
Events in Hagley
Wednesday 18 September
10.00 am Chatty Cafe Scheme at Clent Parish Hall
2.15 pm Bounce & Rhyme for Babies at Hagley Library
10.30 am Hagley Library Healthy Walking Group at Hagley Library
