July 2006 Archives
A lovely party to celebrate Jean's 60th birthday at Forty Acres with lots of family and friends old and new, even if it turned out a little wet and windy after the past x weeks of hot, dry weather. The marquee came into its own and Food From Here laid on a mouth watering menu, all sourced from the Golden Valley - right down to the Three Choirs wine. Delicious, and a few glasses helped oil the joints of those who could still co-ordinate their limbs for the ceilidh. and Jean's birthday cakes were fabulous, especially the photo transfers!
A decidely autumnal (aka dark, wet and windy) drive home, courtesy of Tom and Jo, who'd left Barney and Rosa in the tender care of Grandad and Aunty Jean for the rest of the week. We took the opportunity to discuss sports cars.... Mazda MX 5 vs Smart Roadster.
Persuaded by Rachel, I spent the weekend on a nostalgia-fest in Solihull, with the first ever Tudor Grange School reunion - to mark the school's first 50 years - on Satuday evening.
Carl drove us up to Rachel's mum's on Friday and on Saturday we called in at Rachel's dad's and then headed over to Jane and Dan's to see (meet in my case!) Merlin, and for an impromptu lunch.
Went to the fair at the school in the afternoon, but it was more for current students and parents so we didn't stay long and headed off into Solihull for some shopping instead.
Returned to TG in the evening all dressed up for the party, and met Fiona and Jenny in the queue, but there wasn't really anyone else we recognised, or in our age range for that matter. Still, a few glasses of fizz later we were being taken on a tour of the school by one of the current students - a lovely girl about to go into the 5th year - who coped marvellously with our nostagia fest, and we did bump into some more people from our era: Kirsty Ogden and Claire Whitely (as were), and Neil Karet and (I think) Spencer Griffin. I'd expected more staff to be there.
The highlight was the Memorabilia Room where we found a collection of school registers, report and magazines from various years, reviving such memories as Tom's woodwork prize, my magazine illustrations, Jane's articles on pets...
Rachel's mum collected us (and our helium balloons) c 11.30pm - by that stage it did feel just like being back at school, having parents doing the taxi service....
Jean and Robert's Golden Wedding party on the Thames yesterday + lunchtime BBQ at Tom and Jo's plus fun fair today = lovely family weekend.
After a delicious BBQ lunch at Tom and Jo's, most of us headed round to Priory Park and spent a happy hour or so at the Steam Fair. I especially enjoyed the dodgems with Barney at the wheel - not forgetting the risque illistrations on the slot machines and Jo and Rosa whirling past on the flying chairs.
Mind you, not sure how much dad appreciated having Geoff the Bear named after him, on the basis that Geoff the Bear looked a little grumpy.....
A lovely afternoon cruising along the Thames from Hampton Court pier to Teddington Lock and a little beyond, watching people messing about on the river in gorgeous sunshine. There was just enough of a breeze to keep us cool as the Western Belle motored along, complete with jazz band, Pimms and afternoon tea.
Organised by Nick, Jo and James, the guest list of people celebrating Robert and Jean's Golden Wedding Anniversary ranged from Jean's bridesmaids to assorted grandchildren and inlaws (resulting in the revelationary realisation that technically I'm Jo's sister-in-law!!). Barney, Rosa and I spent most of the afternoon on desk, posing with our complimentary fans, and pondering The Language of Fans.
Plus it means that Dad and Jean have come to stay for the weekend. Lovely.