I love this time of year as the evenings draw in and we get the vibrant colours of autumn. Getting cosy on the sofa and enjoying comfort food that lifts our mood.

Halloween is upon us and I have seen some spooky displays decorating houses as I’ve been driving around Woking, and I'm sure on the radio I will be dusting off the likes of Monster Mash and Thriller to play on my shows on the lead up to 31 October.

Emma and I have got into the spirit of Halloween more in recent years. As the sun goes down on Halloween evening it is so nice to see the children trick or treating in their costumes.

We prepared little bags of sweets to give out last year and got a few visitors although we are off the main trick or treat path.

I remember seeing one of the houses nearby adorned with spooky decorations and a queue of kids knowing there was a good chance of filling their treat baskets at that particular property.

Of course, Halloween is not for everybody – vulnerable people in the community may find it scary having strangers knocking at their door.

Surrey Police have a range of resources and guidance on their website and printable “no trick or treaters” posters to put on your door.

If you are trick or treating keep it safe and fun , only visit houses that are clearly taking part and respect those who don't want to get involved.

Emma and I recently went to see the pumpkin festival at Tulley's Farm near Crawley. Having been to the Tulip Festival in the spring we knew it would be a great event and we weren't disappointed.

The farm had been decorated for the season with hundreds of pumpkins arranged in creative displays and a chance to buy some at the end to take home.

There were entertainers walking around playing music and singing, and some great photo opportunities, including a model hot air balloon where the balloon was made with pumpkins – I don't think I have seen that many pumpkins in one place before!

Once Halloween and Bonfire night are over its the dreaded C word – Christmas is approaching, although it has been Christmasy in supermarkets for a while now with shelves of treats and goodies to tempt us.

Emma and I found a radio station that plays non-stop Christmas tunes already! There is something about hearing that iconic Mariah Carey song in October.

Maybe it is too early but with our panto rehearsals in full swing it seems we may be in the Christmas spirit already.

The RATS Addlestone Panto Alladin is at Addlestone Community Centre on 11 and 12 December. Come and see us – tickets at www.ticketsource.com/ratsdrama.

Listen to my radio shows on Radio Woking: Sunday 9am – noon; Wednesday 7-9am. Life on The Edge every second Sunday at noon with Edge Ahead UK.

You can hear Emma and I on Surrey Hills Community Radio every second Monday at 9pm and Life on the Edge airs every first Monday at 10am.

Send me a voice note – www.speakpipe.com/jonandrews or email [email protected]