Elderberry wine anyone?

The hedges are groaning under the weight of fruit this year: Elderberries glistening in the sun after a heavy shower of rain. Wild Blackberries too which have that extra special flavour and sweetness never found in the cultivated ones.
I can't help feeling a little sad, for the first time in 23 weeks (not far off half a year) there are no Swallows in our stable. Three left together, then the female the next day followed by one youngster. The last one spent two nights alone and then plucked up courage to go yesterday morning. I hope they make their way to South Africa safely.