At this time of year, I always feel a deep feeling of nostalgia, I welcome it as it helps override that disappointment that comes when summer ends. Usually, we’ve barely had a summer so that disappointment is huge! But then along comes autumn with its wonderful colours, and fresher temperatures. (I’ve never understood why we say fresh instead of cold.)
I left for work this morning and there was a slight mist amongst the rain drops, a nostalgic feeling in the form of an amalgamated memory came to me at that moment. I served my apprentice at a local joinery company making windows, doors and conservatories, part of the job involved installing what we had crafted, and I really enjoyed going out fitting the joinery in Autumn. I’m still not quite sure why, I guess the feeling of the seasons changing also changed something in me.
Because the company I worked for produced high end joinery, we would travel to lovely parts of the Midlands, places like Leamington, Warwick, Kenilworth and surrounding villages. Generally nice houses in quite rural areas, so it was a pleasure to see the trees and fields change over the week’s we’d spend outdoors at these properties.
The tea breaks would be a delight, a nice hot cup of tea on a cool autumn day is the best. Holding in both hands to absorb the warmth, watching the steam rise as you laughed and joked with your work mates before it was time to get back to fitting windows – Happy memories.
I love what autumn brings us, Bonfire Night, an extra hour in bed (unless you have a toddler), autumnal ales by an open fire at a pub… All these bring happy memories of spending time with friends and family at bonfire night watching the fireworks and having a pint in front of the fire at the local afterwards.
My brother, my mate and I used to plan our route visiting all the bonfires in the village, back then we were lucky to have 8 pubs in the area, 4 of which had their own bonfire and firework display, we’d endeavour to make them all and finish at one of the ones that didn’t have a display to warm the cockles by their open fire.
These nights were a highlight of my year, I’d look forward to it and revel in the planning. Sadly there are only 4 pubs left, and only one puts on a display, but on a different weekend so as not to compete… I love experiencing the nostalgia of the buzz I used to feel.
I enjoy being outside in the autumn months, more so than other months. Maybe it’s my subconsciousness’ way of getting as much of the remaining vitamin D into my body before the approaching dark winter months. But also, it’s the colour! The trees are beautiful! I love trees and wood anyway, and the show these incredible entities put on for us is a highlight of the year, there’s something almost melancholic about it, knowing that every year I see it and enjoy it is one less I’ll see, and one closer to not seeing them. But for now, I’m still young and grateful for every one!
I’ve planted certain tree’s in my garden because of their autumn colours. Maple, Birch and Cherry. You get a bonus with the cherry as they blossom in the spring and are by far the best in Autumn.
One core memory of mine is being in the front garden at my parents’ house, I’d be maybe 5 or 6, I’m there with my brother, Mum and Dad are working on the garden, probably tidying up fallen leaves and getting the garden ready for winter. My brother and I are running around and hiding in the bushes near our front door. We decide to play in the leaves and Dad joins in, throwing leaves over us and chasing us, Mum got a photo of this, I remember seeing the photo about 10 years ago, I must try and find it. A happy family enjoying an Autumn day.
I’ll leave it there, there’s the last warmth of the sun to be had, Autumnal ales to drink by the fire and trick or treaters to avoid. I dislike Halloween, too American for my liking, celebrate Bonfire Night instead, enjoy the show, but also it’s important to remember the 5th of November, especially now because beyond the fire and fun, it’s also a chance to reflect on the dangers of fanaticism, political division, and intolerance and remind us that violent extremes never solve social or religious tensions. So get out there this weekend and embrace the community spirit of a very British thing, it’s OUR thing!
Happy Autumn Everyone, now go get an Amber Ale in yer!
TM
