The mere sight of banks of books that are all available FREE has always set my heart racing - one more thing that we take so much for granted and yet is such a luxury and a resource for us to take advantage of whenever we wish. Coming from a non-bookish family, the public library was the first place that ever gave me real access to the riches held between the pages, and many years and many thousands of books later, I am still as besotted as ever. Each time I walk through those doors I give thanks for the civic spirit which motivated the founders of the Public Library system, the results of which we all continue to enjoy today.

Then into the Museum, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary as another public facility - again, open to all and free of access. The current exhibition pays particular attention to the (17th) century in which Newbury was affected by Civil War in England. Two areas around the town were venues for two of the major Civil War Battles, the first of which (The First Battle of Newbury, 1643) took place only a couple of miles from Autumn Cottage, at Wash Common and Skinners Green.

The collection of cannonballs in the exhibit above gives an example of just what was hurled about amongst the combatants (the smallest of the balls in the picture are some three inches across) and even here, in the garden of Autumn Cottage, we have dug up musket balls and the top from a gunpowder bandolier from the same period. I often imagine soldiers, having taken part in the skirmishes of the 1st Battle, holing up here in the cattle sheds that were once Autumn Cottage, hoping to get some rest and respite before either re-entering the fray, or making their way to find safer accomodation and medical attention. Who knows what battle weary ghosts even now walk the pathways around this house?

And finally, across the way to the cafe and shop run by the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust, the organisation that was most instrumental in restoring our lovely old canal from a neglected, and in many places weed choked, canal to 80 miles of delightful waterway, used by holiday makers and locals, boaters, cnaoists, cyclists and walkers all year round. Public spirit - and enormous hard work over a period of 20 years triumphed once again.

The little wharfside building is something of an unknown treasure, and there, in a very pleasant atmosphere, with the canal just ouside and a large flock of swans in graceful presence, you can get a cup of coffee and snack at very reasonable prices. You can also both browse and buy some of the beautifully decorated Canal Barge wares that are on diasplay. The traditional, highly stylised method of decorating both the barges and the day to day items such as as buckets, jugs and tubs became known as "Roses and Castles" decoration simply because thsoe are the motifs most frequently seen. For more information about the decorative craft and some wnderful examples, visit Tony Lewery's interesting site.

Journal prompt - What was your first introduction to the world of books? Did you have many books in the home - or did you discover them elsewhwere? Is there one person etched into your mind who first introduced you to their pleasures? Write about your earliest favourites - and the relationship you have with them now. NB - it IS permitted to admit to a passionate love affair with them in the pages of your journal!

OR Write about a decorative craft that either interests you are that you actively take part in. Do you incorporate what you produce into your everyday life and make use of it, or do you acquire/carry out your craft purely for relaxation and the pleasure of creation? A little of both? Describe what it is you get out of of creation or discovery.