The Colours of Autumn.......

............after all the crops have been gathered in. The farmers are now ploughing in readiness for reseeding for next year..

As usual at this time of year, our clocks must be put back one hour tonight - great for those who like their beds!

There is always controversy about this - on the pro side:-

1) Lighter evenings would have a positive benefit for public heath, say researchers. One recent study of 23,000 children, published on the BBC, found that their daily activity levels were 15 to 20 per cent higher on summer days than winter days and that moving the clocks back causes a five per cent drop in physical activity.

2) Energy: Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that an extra daily hour of sunlight in winter evenings could save £485m each year in electricity bills, as people use less light and heating.

3) Benefits for early risers: Lighter mornings have traditionally been supported by postal workers, the construction industry and farmers. Those living in Scotland voice particular concerns about people having to travel to work in the dark.

On the con side:-

1) Around half a million people in this country are thought to be affected by seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a negative mental state produced by an absence of daylight. That number could be reduced if winter evenings were lighter.

2) Rospa says more people are killed and injured on British roads because of darker evenings in autumn and winter.

3) Campaign groups advocate keeping DST over the winter months and putting the clocks forward a further hour during summer, giving the UK the same time zone as much of central Europe which I suppose would help trading with those countries.

For myself, I think I prefer the lighter nights - especially as it would save money on lighting and heating - costs are quite high enough as it is!

A beautiful morning - hardly a cloud in the sky! - temperature at noon around the mid 50s F.

Have a great weekend and DON'T FORGET TO ALTER YOUR CLOCKS!