THIS is a talking point published in the Hereford Times on October 3.

Pamela White, Hereford Choral Society

AUTUMN has now officially begun, so what does this mean to many people? Is it met with appreciation of the natural joys of the changing colours of trees or is it met with a groan thinking of the approaching winter ahead? Hopefully, to many people it signifies a new season of activities to enjoy.

Looking at a recent monthly publication with its diary of events in Herefordshire and beyond, I was delighted and amazed to find so many events and workshops involving the arts, from bands, choirs, art and dance classes and more. It is a positive cornucopia of culture!

Let’s hope we can prise more young people away from their phones to read about these life-enhancing activities. Congratulations “Broad Sheep”!

Now the new Government is in place, those of us involved with any branch of the arts are waiting to hear any announcements of how pledges made previously are to be fulfilled.

The Prime Minister in a BBC interview talked of his love of playing the flute and turning to music in times of stress, but nothing so far about giving children a “full cultural life”.

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Lisa Nandy, now in post as the Culture Secretary, we hope, will act to address the state of music in state schools as well as action on other concerns about the arts in general.

Perhaps she will take advice from one of our most vocal supporters of any artistic endeavours, Lord Melvin Bragg, who has been talking all his life about how important it is to give access to the arts to children from an early age.

With access to libraries, theatres, concert halls and inspiring teachers, children can be given the opportunity to lead a life-enhancing “full cultural life”.