A word from the editor, September 2008

There are certain rural settings that'll forever hold a special place in my heart: the bluebell wood near my old house where I played for endless hours as a child in the school holidays; the scruffy yet homely farm where I kept my beloved pony; the breezy reservoir where my family sailed every Sunday. We all need to escape into a moment of nostalgia every now and again and it's comforting to revisit such places in our minds.

Recently I was lucky enough to revisit one of the most significant places from my past, and not just in my imagination! Close to the Border in the south Shropshire hills there's a place called The Callow, where a small wood perched high on one particular hill offers panoramic views of Wales, the hills and plains of Shropshire and ­ on a clear day ­ distant views of a further four counties. Most visitors bypass this breathtaking spot en route to higher profile attractions such as the Long Mynd, making it all the more special for those who chance upon it ­ as I did in February 2000. I was on a short holiday in the area with my husband Howard when, having swiftly checked out of an unsuitable B&B (another story...) we were in need of alternative accommodation. We were pointed in the direction of a hamlet called Bromlow ­ home to The Callow.

Later, when we were out walking, it was while sheltering from a dramatic snowstorm under the canopy of The Callow that we made the decision to relocate to the Welsh Borders. Climbing to the top of that hill in a bracing wind and being rewarded with such a magnificent view offered a tantalising glimpse of a life we could have. And we went for it.

Six months later, on the 15th August, we moved into a small, traditional cottage just over the Border in Powys, and despite not knowing anyone within a two-hour drive of our new home, we began to build the life we'd always dreamed of. Part of that dream was to run our own magazine, so it's quite apt that Country & Border Life celebrates its fifth anniversary this month ­ all thanks to The Callow! It's settings such as these, and numerous other stunning locations in Wales and the Border Counties, that have been the inspiration behind the 57 issues we've now published. Rest assured they'll continue to inspire us over the forthcoming months and years, too.

One man who shares our love of the region, and who has many nostalgic memories of his own, is Albert Rowlands, the last survivor of the Gresford Colliery workforce at the time of the tragic mining disaster there some 74 years ago this month. While we can appreciate the beautiful countryside, Albert is an important reminder that Wales has a rich industrial heritage, too, and we owe much to these brave, unsung heroes of our past. Turn to page 66 for his moving recollections of that day.

As ever there's plenty to read this month, so do enjoy September's anniversary issue - which we're making available to view online this month in a great, page-turning format (click here to see it, free!).

Happy Birthday Country & Border Life!