Pretty in purple

Last night we enjoyed the music concert very much, and this was followed by awards to retiring teachers. Dinner followed but unfortunately the school kitchen had a gas problem so the dinner was very much delayed, we sat for about an hour before the starters were served and it therefore made the dinner very slow and drawn out, having to feed 85 guests from a faulty kitchen. Fortunately I had good company, on my left was a BBC journalist who has covered most of the conflict zones in the world, so he was very interesting to talk to. On my right was a lawyer who was also a lay priest - in fact all of his four children are actively involved in the Church of England with his one son having just been ordained after studying for 15 years. This included a 4 year PhD in the USA where his dissertation was on the church’s views/approach on intersex members and gender identity. A very divisive subject so it made for a very fascinating discussion as the church has very fixed conservative views on same sex marriage (they don’t allow it). Gavin did well in his first speech as chairman of the governors, and was relieved when it was over, as he has big boots to fill with the previous chairmans always being fantastic orators.

The dinner ended very late, just before midnight, I then drove home while the others walked off to the local hotel. Unfortunately I had the frustration of the M25 being closed again - it is the busiest motorway in the U.K. so I guess they can only do work on it late at night. I finally got to bed at 1.30am and was up again at 6.30am this morning. I am feeling pretty shattered after this week.


Today was a good day, sunny and perfect weather. It started with the final chapel service of the year at 10am - I do enjoy singing hymns! This was followed by prize giving, wow some really talented pupils there - one boy is off to Harvard having done six A levels (the norm is 3) and he speaks about 7 languages. After prize giving there was a casual school canteen lunch and then a sublime performance by the school orchestra of Edgar's Cello concerto in E minor, one of my favourites.


We got home in the afternoon and gave Xena a walk in the woods - she had already been out in the morning with Fiona. Then I facetimed my family in South Africa and 'met' my new great niece, as mum and baby came home from hospital today.


The school gardens were looking absolutely amazing so here are some photos of it. It has been a crazy busy week and I am feeling so tired - tonight it will be take away supper and slumping on the sofa in front of the TV.