As the Autumn Budget approaches, the property market does something strangely predictable: it takes a collective sip of tea, raises an eyebrow, and decides to wait and see what happens next. Buyers who were enthusiastic a week ago suddenly hover in “nearly ready” mode, as if the Chancellor himself might pop up and personally adjust their mortgages.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when an entire town collectively decides to kick off Christmas at exactly the same moment, wonder no more,Hockley has the answer. On Saturday 29th November, the streets will be filled with excited children clutching letters for Santa & adults trying to look calm while juggling hot chocolate and gift bags.

As November draws near, red poppies begin to bloom across lapels, symbolising remembrance, gratitude, and unity. Each year, the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal brings communities together to honour those who have served and sacrificed in the Armed Forces. It’s a time to pause, reflect, and give back and thanks to the tireless RBL volunteers.

Living next to the woods, we expected to feel closer to nature, but we didn’t expect to make friends with it. We thought we would spend our mornings listening to the birds and admiring the trees. Instead, we find ourselves checking that Freda the fox, our uninvited but much-loved garden guest has returned safely from her nightly wandering!