HERE we are in September already! The schools reopened this week for the autumn term and we wish all our scholars and teachers from the village a successful start to the new academic year. Colleges and universities will begin their first semesters soon, and we wish all involved a rewarding year ahead.

We welcome back all those who have been away on holiday, and rejoice with those who have had the pleasure of some family time during the summer. In my home, we have been getting to know our four-month-old grandson, Kurt, all the way from South Africa .Who would have thought that such a small bundle could contain such vast lung capacity?

A thought, too, for those who have moved during the summer: some to another location in the village, some to Ledbury, and others further afield: may you soon be settled and happy in your new dwelling. To those who have moved into the village, we wish you a very happy stay.

Sunday’s service at Christ Church this week will be the Book of Common Prayer, 9.30am, and prayers continue on Wednesday mornings at the same time. The Harvest Service will be on 9 October at 11am, followed by a bring & share lunch at the Memorial Hall.

The Book Club meet on Monday evening, 7.30pm at Helen’s home, The Old Vicarage. The book under discussion is ‘I am Malala’, by Malala Jousafzai, a young Pakistani activist for female education.

Parents and Toddlers group begins again on Tuesday morning, 10am – 11.30am in the Memorial Hall. Phone 07731 311419 if you would like more information.

Calling all gardeners: come along on Wednesday evening to hear Julia Sanders of Green JJam Nurseries telling us all about penstemon. The lecture begins at 8pm, visitors pay £2.50, and this event takes place at the Memorial Hall.

The Walking Group will be going to Kempley for the Thursday morning walk: meet at the Memorial Hall at 9.30am.

It’s time again to support the 675 bus service that runs through the village: the Herefordshire Council have announced that there will be a reduction in spending for passenger transport over the next three financial years, and they are inviting the public to take part in a consultation reviewing the bus services. Please go to www.herefordshire.gov.uk/public-transport and fill in the questionnaire asking for the bus service to remain.

And a thought to end with: ‘By all these lovely tokens September days are here, with summer’s best of weather, and autumn’s best of cheer’ (Helen Hunt Jackson.)

Have a good week!

VALERIE CLARK