The weather has been a gift in this area this September, forecasted thunder storms miss us and even rainy days have sunshine and the temperature is mild, perfect for Harvest time which thankfully we should be able to celebrate in church this year.

These brambles winked at me like jewels, looking so juicy and ready to eat when I saw them out walking. I would love to have picked some but had no means of carrying them,  before I’d have just popped one or two in my mouth but in these Covid times I think we are becoming more fearful of things we would have done naturally in the past, better to leave them for the birds anyway.

In the garden tree and plant leaves, where the tree canopy is dense, are currently covered in sooty black spores. The Congregational Board is appointing tree specialists to cut back overhanging branches in the garden, this will allow much more light in and this should make a big difference to what we can grow. We have some ferns growing but even a fernery needs some light. We will scatter forget me not seeds soon and hope they take.

We are thankful for this season of ‘mists and mellow fruitfulness’ and this beautiful early autumn preparing us for the winter to come and Christmas when we look forward to welcoming Jesus - the Light of the World.