GLOUCESTERSHIRE Saturdays are wonderful. I relished them sixty years ago when I was in my prime, and do so now as I head for my twilight years.

The recipe for an enjoyable Saturday has remained the same over the years. First of all was the close perusal of the pages of this newspaper.

It was required reading in the Boys Prefects Room at 8.30am on Friday. As vigorous eighteen year olds determined to enjoy life, we looked for dances in various village halls as well as the films on offer in Cirencester, Tetbury and Stroud. Saturday was a day for ‘Cherchez La Femme’.

Sport was always a fall back. There were school matches Saturday mornings and soccer in the afternoon.

These days Stroud farmers’ market is a regular and rewarding destination and so many delightful events are within reach. After an early Tesco visit off we go. Forest Green Rovers, a lively, evolving club is high on our agenda. The match day experience gets better each year and the vegan food is first class. Near home the increasing number of events in Cirencester off much for everyone. This year the Advent Market solved many Christmas present problems. It was a delight.

These Cotswold events are on a human scale. Living in London this important aspect could be found at Columbia Road flower market where Hackney, Bethnal Green and Shoreditch meet. Camden Lock Market or Petticoat Lane were too overwhelming for someone whose heart was always 100 miles west. I am glad I am back.