My word! Some day that was! For your correspondent, it started with choir practice at 8.55am, which segued into the School Eucharist at 9.45, at which I had been invited to preach. So I did, offering a few thoughts about Advent and the like. This led on rehearsals with various colleagues, who had generously asked me to act as their accompanist in the post-Bombers and Fighters staff entertainment; and so to lunch. After lunch, as MC for the entertainment, I then went to ensure that the finer details had been addressed, which, thanks to the expert skill of Mr Randolph, they had. Down to the far fields then, to officiate as an observer in this year's B and F, and thence into Macmillan for the entertainment. I'm glad to report that all went very well, and Mr Bishop pronounced himself pleased, which was a relief. A most enjoyable cup of tea (enhanced) with the Ives family, and then we were back on duty in Newton, and preparing for the lodge party, which consisted of the boys circulating, in their dorm groups, between three rooms for individual games (mine was charades; the others were Pictionary and the chocolate game), which was followed by what we hope were nice nibbly-type things like crisps, sausage rolls, chocolate chip block, Pringles, that sort of thing, plus a wonderful cake made by the kitchens. I managed to locate a bottle of fizz for the lodge staff, and everyone, including the birthday boy (although he was not offered any of the aforementioned bubbles!) seemed happy. We rounded off the evening with a few carols around the piano in our drawing room.

So that was today, really. Tomorrow the end of term starts with a vengeance ..... !

Goodnight.