RACHEL’S RAMBLES

AN AUTUMN PARADOX

By Rachel Woods

‘The paradoxical mystery and beauty of the autumn equinox is that when the year is waning and moving towards the dark and colder days of winter, the earth blesses us with abundance’ Maria Ede-Weaving Autumn is my favourite season for walking. It has something to do with the colours of course but also the light; the glow of autumn sunsets on golden leaves is entrancing despite it reducing daily. I prefer the temperatures and let’s not forget the opportunity to sample the bounty to be found in woodlands and hedgerows. Maria Ede-Weaving, in her blog, talks of the earth providing us with what we need to deal with the challenging times ahead. Nature providing us with her harvests as well as the ‘test of strength, wisdom and endurance’ that is winter. I anticipate crisp mornings, sunny days and the crunch of leaves underfoot. The guessing games as I leave the house and something cracks underfoot in the darker mornings; is that a walnut or a snail?

Speaking of walnuts, I enjoy the return of our local squirrels and badgers to clear my windfall nuts and litter the garden with shells. We even get to keep some for ourselves. ‘Tis the season for wardrobe adjustments, days of mixed temperatures that require some planning and layering. A time to wash and treat waterproofs, mend rips and tears in muchloved, serviceable items; a time to dig out cosy woollens, scarves and hats; a time when how my hair looks is never an issue, thanks to my woolly hat. Choosing a walk to recommend for autumn feels impossible. To choose my favourite would be like asking me to choose between my dogs. I love the variety of broadleaf woodlands but the consistency of the managed pine forest pathways. I love the incredible colours of the managed grand estates such as Hestercombe, Dyrham or Stourhead and the ethereal sense of history of North Dorset sunken paths which have an ancestral feel to them. I equally love blowing the cobwebs away on higher grounds such as Whitesheet Down near Mere and Ham Hill near Yeovil, and exploring further west to Exmoor or south to Golden Cap or Lulworth, when I’m feeling more intrepid. Although I’m no pagan or druid, I can’t deny though that there is something deeply spiritual about this season, the equinox, All Hallows Eve and watching the shifts in the trees as they lose their chlorophyl and show their colours before getting naked for the winter. Spotting the blooms of fungi, knowing that a much larger organism is at play underground connecting trees and plant life in a complex wood-wide-web, facilitating conversations we barely comprehend. A time for collecting blackberries, and sloes (for making a certain warming tipple of course). For hot chocolate, stews and soups, warming foods and the odd cheeky nightcap. Yes, autumn is truly the most wonderfully enriching season. For Marie’s full take on autumn wonders, visit www.druidry.org/ resources/autumn-equinox-thewaning-and-the-blessing.

Bargain Hunters Corner

If an item/items are valued at more than £200 there will be a £6 charge. Wanted adverts are also charged at £6.

Henry vacuum cleaner plus Hepa-Flo filter bags £80

Tel: 01935 389165

(Sherborne)

Autocare 10” twin handle car polisher, brand new, still in packaging £20 Roberts Personal Stereo Listening FM RDS/DAB sports digital radio, brand new, still in packaging

£20

Tel: 01963 440265 (South Cadbury)

Two aluminium step ladders, 5 steps or 7 steps. Each £25

Tel: 01935 812743

(Sherborne)

Fence panels 6’x6’ in good condition, five available. Each

£10

Tel: 01458 443264 (Street)

Rollator 4-wheel with seat and shopping bag £80 Rollator 3-wheel with zipped bag £40 Z bed single with cover £40 Bath chair lift £75 Gourmet Maxx multi grill, brand new in box £15 Cordless kettle tipper £10 Raised Mobilease toilet seat £15 All items VGC

Tel: 07974 313227

(Sherborne) 35 Tractor and Farming Heritage magazines in excellent condition. Years available include: 2014, 2015, 2016. Similar magazines available, please enquire £20 Tel: 01460 55105 (Ilminster)

Piano Rogers London No.32425, overstrung & underdamped, good condition, bright tone, stool included £995 ono

Tel: 01963 220855 or 07765

771184 (Sherborne)

Accommodation wanted - 2 beds, small winter let/annex/ flat short-term, 5-mile radius Sparkford (approx). Working couple + working son, waiting for planning consent on land near Sparkford. No kids, no pets, non-smokers

Tel: 01963 220855 or 07765

771184 (Sparkford)

Cider apple trees for sale. Specialist Apple Tree Nursery selling local heritage varieties including eating & cooking apple trees

Tel: 01963 220855 or 07765

771184 (Sparkford)