WANDERING past the bookcase I found the book containing the beautiful Test Valley Tapestries in my hands.

It is twenty one years since the Test Valley Tapestries book was published in all its glory. Turning the pages reminded me of the early stages of the tapestries construction.

Two-times mayor Uncle Laurie, whose brain child it was, took great pride in showing me the first works of delicate needlework as they began to arrive. I stood there in wonderment, he too with growing satisfaction.

The hours upon hours that went into creating the Test Valley Tapestries can be seen in all its splendour adorning the walls at Beech Hurst.

Breathtakingly beautiful.

The tapestries reinforce my long held belief that here in Andover we have the most fantastic countryside around us. Our heritage.

The inviting villages, all unique, with their own characteristics are a delight to behold at this time of year.

We poodle along with smiling expectation, peddle power you see, or Shanks pony when the unforgiving hills offer joyful challenges. They seem to be getting steeper!

Taste the fresh air. The hedgerows that are home to many a creature slowly pass on by.

The fields of gold that had been dancing and swaying in the breeze have all been harvested now, not to mention the meandering rivers, so mesmeric and crystal clear.

The trees, ever watchful and about to discard their multicoloured glad rags, will stand century soon to reveal their skeletal form. We are truly spoilt.

An expanding knowledge of the village hostelries is a proven advantage and we look forward to welcoming conversation with the landlord and the assorted colourful regulars.

You never stop learning about the history of an area, what ol’ George has been up to lately and the general shenanigans that pour forth after a drop of the hard stuff.

I could write a book all based on dubious fact!

The things they tell you all contribute to an enjoyable time with many a laugh and appreciative view along the way.

So let us count our blessings as we are all so fortunate be here in north-west Hampshire in dear old, often lambasted, Andover.

At the same time we must thank the three anonymous donors who generously agreed to cover the cost in order to return our Coat of Arms to the town.

John Porter, Millway Road, Andover