A glorious Indian Summer has set us up for the colder season that no doubt
awaits. We have lately been able to walk under blue skies, kicking crunchy
leaves in a countryside dressed in splendid hues from a full autumnal palette. It
is now time to turn the attention more towards life indoors, lighting candles and
spending quality time with the family in front of a roaring fire, playing games or
curling up with a good book - just a few of my favourite things...

This is what we in Denmark call ‘hygge’ which, as Edward Kubacki mentions
on page 30, roughly translates into the sense of cosiness you experience when
you are with friends or family enjoying a happy time in relaxing surroundings.
Edward has spent time in Denmark and knows the phenomenon first hand, but I
must admit that I was rather intrigued to read in a recent article that the subject
of ‘hygge’ is now being taught at college in parts of the UK.

There will be plenty of opportunities over the coming months to give you that
sense of cosiness or get you into the spirit of the season. In November, many
of our villages have bonfire and firework displays for us to enjoy, and Boughton
House has a magnificent show of lights and fireworks in the Gunpowder Plot,
with a special discount code for Village Connect readers on page 22. You can
start your Christmas shopping at the numerous late night shopping events in
our market towns - it really is important to support the plethora of amazing,
independent businesses we are fortunate to have right on our doorstep, so
please shop locally!

Craft fairs, concerts, carol services and Christmas tree festivals will inspire us
for the big day, and if you would like to make your own wreath for your front
door you can attend workshops at Foxtail Lilly, see page 26, or at Lyveden, see
page 76. In line with the true spirit of Christmas, you could support charities as
best you can, from buying gifts at a fair, donating a raffle prize or helping as a
volunteer. The Carers Trust is looking for befrienders, see page 70, and Foster
Care Associates are looking for foster families to change someone’s life - and
possibly yours, on pages 58-59. Whatever you can do, look deep in your heart
and support our community as best you can.

With my warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas

Hillcrest House

Church Hill

Geddington

Northants

NN14 1AH

Tel: 01536 744700