Tat London Journal

Penpont, the family run estate, set on the banks of the River Usk in the heart of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, has that tantalising, electric feel.  The estate has been in the family since 1665 and there is a far-reaching sense of hundreds of years of history blended with the youthful energy and dynamism that the current custodians, Gavin and Vina Hogg and their sons Forrest and Josh, are bringing.

Blessed — yes, that’s the word. To be in the UK during the marvellous month of October feels like a small act of God. As a child of October, I’ve always had a soft spot for it, whether from the fizz of excitement at the prospect of birthday gifts or simply the delight of all things autumnal.

We’ve had quite the hiatus – in the form of me having a baby. A joyful addition to my life. Not for the faint-hearted, this mothering business, and as a faint-hearted person I can safely say that’s the case. Being otherwise tied up, I’ve been a little lax in getting these musings down on paper. I know, the abundance of people dishing out lists online has become so relentless I sometimes wonder if there’s anyone left to buy all the things we so eagerly chirp about. But here I