Spring is just around the corner and soon Winter will just be a fond memory – for some! The change of seasons is something that I love in nature. Although the cold frigidity of the Winter months can be slightly depressing. The hope that Spring followed by Summer is a assured makes it all the more tolerable.

It does seem, however, that the seasons are becoming less predictable and weather patterns more extreme. When I was little I remember there always was snow in Winter and at least some sunshine in Summer. Growing up in the south of England meant that it was never ever especially cold and rarely boiling hot. But, we had Summers. Like the majority of families, we also have our share of funny anecdotes.

I remember spending long hot sunny Summer holidays at the seaside or at the park. As young and adventurous children, we would spend hours climbing trees in the nearby woods or scouring the beaches for seashells. It was glorious.

One particular hot and sunny day, Mum and Dad packed us all on a train to Weston. For a eight year old girl, this was a real treat. I had been dying to ride the donkeys at Weston-Super-Mare and spend my hard earned pocket money in the amusement arcade at the end of the Grand Pier.

The train ride seemed to never end – even though I now know that it is little more than a twenty minute train ride. We raced towards the beach as soon as we spotted the water in the distance – leaving our parents and older siblings trundling along behind.

When they finally caught up with us, there would be stern looks. However the bad vibes didn’t last for long. It was simply too sunny for frowning. The donkey ride was a special treat – one that my Dad knew I would enjoy. After all, I grew up watching and loving Black Beauty on TV and for me a donkey ride at Weston was the next best thing.

After building many sandcastles and paddling in the water, it was time to go home. Of course, we tried our hardest to linger and dragged our feet as we headed back to the train station. The best bit about the ride home was sitting next to my Dad and being able to snooze, whilst resting my head against his arm.

Those Summer days are gone but the memories of this and many other family anecdotes remain. Spring is once again knocking on my door. Hopefully it leads the way to another Summer full of fond memories.