Oh my goodness – it has been absolutely sweltering! Scorcio! Temperatures up into the 30s (80s to 90s in old money). Very little breeze these past few days and a cloudless sky – Scorcio, scorcio, scorcio!
Lady Penelope and I went to see The Ballad of Wallis Island the other evening at the Theatre, Chipping Norton. It was recommended by a friend and It’s a light, “sweet” film which we thoroughly enjoyed and would gladly recommend. It’s very funny in parts as well as having several more poignant moments. In the UK it’s being shown only in smaller cinemas, not at the “bigger” multiplexes. So, we had to scratch around to find it. I guess that means that it will appear on one of the streaming platforms soon – perhaps you can find it there.
It’s about an eccentric lottery winner who lives alone on a remote island who tries to make his fantasies come true by getting his favourite musicians to play for his birthday. There are only a few “problems” with this idea – transport to and from the island depends on the whim of the small boat owner who may or may not run a scheduled service from the island to the mainland and/or back on any given day. And, perhaps more significantly, the band split up some time ago and haven’t performed together for many years. Worth a look.
Prior to the film we enjoyed a pleasant enough meal at The Blue Boar in Chippy. Nice (not great by any means) even if any question addressed to our server resulted in a reply along the lines of “I don’t know. I’ll just go and ask someone.” We had to presume that she was fairly new to the role.
Thursday afternoon we went over to Warwick for Annabelle’s school’s Speech Day at which she received two awards – the only student to do so, as near as I can tell. She won an award for academic achievement and an award to Service to the school, i.e., being a good person – I wonder where she gets that from?
Lousy photo, I know but we are so proud of her. (It’s not obvious but she is the one in the middle of the stage having just received her award).
I was intrigued by the term “Speech Day” – I don’t think it’s a term we use in the States but my American friends and family will put me straight if my memory is deceptive. So, I asked Mr Google for a brief summary of its derivation:
The term “Speech Day” in the context of British schools originates from the historical practice of pupils reciting speeches (often in Latin or Greek) before school governors during annual examinations. These recitations were the original “speeches” that gave the day its name. Over time, Speech Day evolved into an annual event where prizes are awarded and speeches are given by the headmaster and guest speakers.
Yep, that sounds about right.
A very busy weekend. On Friday evening we went along to another “Not a Pub Night” at one of our lovely neighbours – always a treat although the weather was absolutely scorching. Then, yesterday we had two notable events – our immediate neighbours had a lovely barbeque and drinks do out at the stables where they keep their horses along the path out of the village via Brook Street. Scorching hot again but a lovely gathering.
And, we had the bonus of our former neighbours and good friends from “Up North” arrive for a couple of overnighters – they’re off to London today for a family gathering but, no matter how short the visit, it’s always a delight to see them.
And more fun to look forward to this week – on Thursday we’re off on a Garden Club expedition to Ashwood Nurseries, specifically to “John’s Garden.”
John’s Garden at Ashwood Nurseries is a wonderful eight-acre private garden created by nursery owner and Chelsea Gold medallist John Massey VMH. Informal borders, island beds, woodland dells and a wildlife garden are set against the beautiful backdrop of the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal.
More next time, perhaps.
Adam’s birthday coming up on Thursday which, astonishingly, happens to be my niece Lisa’s birthday as well. What are the chances of that? Happy Birthday all round.
And, I think that’s it for this week!
Meanwhile, keep breathing, keep happy, keep smiling, keep exercising, be good, be careful, and keep safe. And be gentle to wasps and bees – we need all the pollinators we can get.
Lots of love to you all,
Greg
Well, thank goodness ‘Speech Day’, as originally conceived, had been abandoned by the time I reached high school! Although perhaps the establishment I attended just wasn’t quite posh enough for such an event.
The video of John’s Garden on the website is really beautiful – made me regret I’m not still in England.
I regret you’re not here every day Pen xx