I was out for a walk in a local country park on a beautiful sunny winter’s day, when I came upon a group of people dressed all in black and performing a dance to music being played on a flute. It was 21st December, and they were celebrating the Winter Solstice. This is a time when the earth’s axis tilts away from the sun, creating the shortest day and longest night of the year, which some see as the symbolic death and rebirth of the sun. The ancient monuments at Stonehenge are aligned with the setting sun on this day, which may also be referred to as midwinter. The unexpected delight of witnessing this traditional ritual will stay with me for many winters to come.

Sue Clough, 74, W Yorks