Louie’s 60th Birthday Party

Hazel and I headed up to Brum yesterday for Louie’s birthday party at Priory School, and to catch up with Fiona, Greg and Family. We took advantage of the mid-afternoon start to squeeze in a spot of shopping, once I’d recovered from the shock of the Bull Ring transformation – no more underpasses! a completely new route for the Queensway! No more market! Instead, the lovely new shiny shopping mall, containing some very swanky shops. There was an amazing number of shoppers about too – although H and I weren’t amongst them.

At Priory School it was 6 hours of blasts from the past, with loads of Links Drive neighbours, more of whom have moved on the pastures new: The Balmers, The Blays, David Gill, Jayne Hanson, the Harmans, the Whites, the Albutts. The whole Kennedy clan was out in force, complete with 7 grandchildren, and the musical performances by Andrew’s 2 eldest daughters (5 and 3) won the day – their violin renditions were better than anything heard at No 78 I reckon!

I got to drive back to London, and H and I made the mad dash onto the last tube from Ealing common, leaving dad and Jean to overnight wih Kate, and to spend the day at her graduation today.

Barney’s 7th birthday skating party

A manic, but fun, morning at Alexandra Palace Ice Rink was had by all, even the adults whose ice skating days were long past. Barney sped around like the regular rinker that he is, although some of his other friends struggled to gain their balance, looking more like ducklings on ice than budding Robin Cousins.

The Ally Pally package came complete with a Birthday Lunch in the far end of the cafe – the first time I’ve had chocolate spread sarnies for years. It was all a bit chaotic, but I guess that’s the sign of a very good time when you’re 6/7!

Jo’s photos
My photos

Back home, Barney unwrapped a pile of lovely pressies, and tried out Operation and the microscope. And we all had a spot more lunch…..

Delightful Derbyshire

Phil and I have just returned from a delightful weekend in Derbyshire, joining his mum’s cousin and family in celebrating Roger’s retirement.

We travelled up from the revamp-in-progress St Pancras, a mere 2 hours on Midland Mainline, and were met at Derby station by Roger and Ben. They ferried the collected family and friend to Rose Cottage, Kirk Ireton where we enjoyed a lovely supper sat around the kitchen table, soup and souls warmed by the aga.

Saturday saw us decorating the Quakers’ Meeting House in Bakewell in honour of Roger’s Retirement, and laying out the feast prepared and provided by Liz for assorted family and friends. After a lovely walk along the disused railway route, everyone ate themselves silly before heading off in all directions. We returned to KI for a snooze, some tennis and then more food and lots and lots of chat.

Sunday was a very relaxed day, with a late rise and shine, a leisurely breakfast over the weekend papers and then a stroll around the lanes before late lunch and the train back to London.

Lucky Janet’s staying until Tuesday.