Autumn – the season of gorgeous trees and Hunter wellies

Nothing says autumn quite like a tree proudly displaying its russet and golden leaves. And as this is early autumn, the leaves have yet to fall and still cling to the branches displaying all their beautiful colours against a grey sky full of swirling clouds.

Walk around the grounds of any National trust property, as Husband and I did today, and you will see beautiful countryside in the transition from the glories of summer to the dark days of winter. You’ll also see lots of middle-class people striding around in their Hunter wellies, walking Labradors and interestingly named children (who also have designer wellies in funky patterns) trying to look like they are enjoying themselves but are secretively in a hurry to get back to the Range Rover.

Such families were out in force today at Attingham Park in Shropshire. Husband and I love Attingham, the grounds are beautiful and the deer park is a delight. But we were the only people there today without neither dog, children, designer wellies nor strange walking poles. We felt distinctly ordinary.

At the archery, Posh-Dad went into full-on Competitive-Dad mode. Little Mortimer (I’m not making this up) stood watching with wide-eyed wonder as Dad snatched the bow from his hand to show him how it should be done. Dad made a great show of positioning himself correctly, explaining to ‘Morty’ the importance of the raised elbow and looking down the bow, then released the arrow and sent it straight into the ground, missing the target by at least a few Ranger Rovers.

I queued to take my turn. The family in front included three beautifully dressed little girls called Indigo, Farrah and Charity (I’m still not making this up). I thought to myself how funny it was that grand estates such as Attingham were still the stopping ground of the well-heeled – except now they have to pay £6.95 for a slice of quiche and keep their dog on a lead.

For those who are interested, when little Mortimer finally wrestled the bow from the hands of Competitive-Dad and took his turn, he sent the arrow straight to the middle of the target. Competitive-Dad shook his head and stomped off back the Range Rover. Oh how we laughed…