Now that the autumn colours have disappeared from the valley, the first snow flurries make it feel like winter has arrived.

Each season brings something new and exciting with it. Winter is no exception. We’re looking forward to deep, soft, fresh snow, cold, crisp air and that searingly bright winter light.

The joy of walking around town after dark, above us a canopy of stars in the clear night sky, the crump of snow and the crackle of ice underfoot. Long, dark evenings keeping warm in front of the wood burning stove.

The town smells of woodsmoke in winter and the smell of baking bread hangs in the still air. The aroma of fresh smultring flowing out of the small roadside stalls signals the approach of Christmas.

Yes, there is plenty to look forward to this winter.