What did you do with your extra hour today?!

I would have liked to have taken advantage of the clocks going back by gaining more sleep but it didn't happen. So I grabbed a book instead - not a surprise, and never wasted time, of course. 

I do find it rather disorientating for the day, though, getting used to the new time. And it means that there's no denying it - we're now on that fast track to winter and Christmas. 

But we do have a treat in store with the visit by Angela Harding in a few short weeks. Her advent calendars are a delight and her account of her life exploring the countryside, rivers and coastline which inspire her stunning linoprint pictures is truly uplifting and invigorating. If you're looking for ideas for Christmas gifts, there are a huge range of products now boasting Angela's stunning images and you'll get a copy of her new book for yourself or a friend when you come to our event on 1 December (scroll down for details).

Of course we're hoping this week's Budget won't leave us short when it comes to our spending for Christmas. And I wonder what Matt, the cartoonist with the 'Daily Telegraph' will highlight as the key 'takeaway' from the government's plans for the paper the next day. Come along to meet him on 17 November to find out how he decides what he should feature in his witty, oh-so-clever cartoons each day. 

Both Angela and Matt are great fun so will be perfect to lift our mood as the days get shorter and darker. Have you got your tickets yet?

And do let me know if you're hoping to come to book group tomorrow night. We'll be discussing 'The Children's Bach' by Helen Garner and planning our last meeting of the year. Hope to see you there.

Thank you for reading.