Hodnet Hall has recently re-opened for the 2026 season so we took advantage of a sunny day for lunch and a walk around the gardens. We were tempted, as usual by the smoked mackerel Pate served in a dainty cup.

A couple of weeks ago my school reader volunteering didn’t go according to plan. It was careers day and the flow of children dried up so I called it a day. The weather was gorgeous and sunny so I chose to walk the long way home.

Surprisingly I met very view people along the way so I didn’t have many opportunities for a cheery hello. Whilst sitting on a bench enjoying the sunshine a dog carrying a large stick in its mouth bounded over to greet me much to the surprise of its owners. One of them passed a remark to the other ‘he never walks that way’. I suspect he was showing off his stick to me. The dog certainly brought a smile to my face.

Due to other commitments and unfavourable weather it took me a while to get around to a walk after my Tuesday afternoon volunteering shift at Attingham Park. My first walk of the year was a perfect opportunity for a ‘Listening’  walk. This time of year is filled with birdsong which is always a joy to hear. I was also treated to wind rustling through the leaves and the gentle sound of flowing water.

This chapter in the book mentions a study commissioned by the National Trust. Attingham Park, being a National Trust property was the perfect place for this walk. The study revealed that the following sounds bring us the greatest pleasure; birdsong, a running stream, rustling tree leaves, silence, twigs snapping underfoot, animal noises, wind whistling through the trees, rain falling on leaves, conkers hitting the ground and squelching mud.

I agree with all of them apart from squelching mud which has a sensory element to it that I find unpleasant.

The video below shows how beautiful the sounds were.

Click on picture to view video

Henri Matisse

World Book Day coincided with my volunteering day in my local school. I wore my recently purchased dress which was a perfect choice for helping children with their reading. The children choose the books they would like to read with me each week.

Later I went out for an evening meal with Mr C. I swapped my sensible flat ankle boots that I wore for my walk to and from the school to the more dressy shoes seen in this photo.

Patience Strong

Saint Francis of Assisi

Anon

As a volunteer at Attingham I was able to see the house decorated for Christmas the day before it opens to the public. The house visit was followed by festive food and mulled wine in the courtyard.

I haven’t yet had time to explore the outdoor decorations along the mile walk. I have been walking in Attingham but my walks in the past two weeks have been in the deer park and woodland area where I was leading and supervising guided walks in Attingham Park. These guided walks are now on hold until after the Christmas festivities. When the walks resume. additional walking routes will be added to what is on offer.

Robert Laurence Binyon