Four funerals and a wedding

Four funerals and a wedding

I wish it had been the other way round, Four Weddings and A Funeral, but tomorrow will be the fourth funeral of a dear friend in 16 months. They far outnumber the wedding I have to look forward to in three weeks. I’ve written here about losing Sue, Celia and...
I’m in such an excited whirl!!!

I’m in such an excited whirl!!!

I’ve had a fantastic week and am in such an excited whirl right now, I wish you could see me. I signed a PR contract with a new client at the beginning of the week to write about their pioneering plant breeding research projects. My work with them so far has...
Mathematics – an education blackhole

Mathematics – an education blackhole

When I went to my younger son’s parents evening the other day, the longest queue was to see the maths teacher. The reason was because she had to explain changes in the curriculum which are certainly not going to benefit James, and others like him. Up until last...
No more L plates

No more L plates

David can now throw out his L plates having passed his driving test today. I was thrilled for him because I felt he deserved to pass, that he was both confident and considerate on the road. We had arranged to meet for lunch in Cambridge anyway, so it was great to make...
Which mother do you feel sorry for?

Which mother do you feel sorry for?

After Margaret Mizen’s truly selfless words following the murder of her 16-year-old son Jimmy, which mother do you feel sorry for? Jimmy, a devout Roman Catholic, was slashed across the neck with a broken glass dish in a bakery in south-east London by a man in...
Me and my compass

Me and my compass

I’m planning to learn how to read a compass this weekend. It is something I have always wanted to do, so I have booked a session with my local ramblers group. It’s being held on the grounds of the very gracious Wimpole Hall tomorrow. Doe this this mean I...