Maybe that is too grand a claim (yes it is Peter!) but the strains of that blessed Noel Cowardesque tune were wafting around in my subconscious this past 12 days or so, perhaps because Hugh-Guy Lorriman had mentioned it as being the soundtrack to a previous production that the Gatesdene Players had put on at St Richards', perhaps also because we just had such a fantastic time...
The blessed season started with the Mogendorff 19th anniversary - managed to come up with a parody of My Fair Lady... 'the best friend of course/ of Richard Mogendorff/ lives right here on the street where you live'... which seemed to go down nicely: good evening providing piano bar entertainment with Eamonn - loved the poem Marilyn (see picture). Unusual crowd and very nice with it, featuring pro(?) ukelele player and several dancers. Wonderful weather too...
Then Sunday; Literary Lunch and Musical Munch at Tarragon Persian Bar, here on Lavender Hill. 30 or so guests including Susi MacInnes's brood of four. Many thanks to those who came along and especially Barnaby, Sarah and Beverly for helping with the music side of things. Thanks too to Kami and Simin for wonderful ambience and food and service. Special thanks to Elaine for picking me up from Harper Hall at 9pm that eve and driving us to Herefordshire (plus copious amounts of equipment...)
Peter Jones and a crew of merry pranksters greeted us at St Richards' school at gone 1am ish sprawled acorss the hallway sofa and chairs... all seemed quiet and sleepy until they SPRANG into life!
A wonderful week at the school in the depths of the countryside, far, far away from Nodnol and its trifling concerns(!?) such as bank statements and bills... Aah! blissful idyll....
We managed two performances outdoors which was a great mercy as the clouds were very much looming - prayer support from Aviary amongst others - better weather in the earlier part of the week which was a blessing and a half. The school was wonderfully Victorian and gentlemanly, the views over the Malvern Hills most restful and easing to the eye after London greyness.
I could wax too lyrical and list all concerned but special thanks to Greg Lorriman and Laura Callaghan our noble quartermasters who provided top notch fare at knock down cost. Joyous times!
Then back to Nodnol (thanks again Elaine!) to a dreamy capital empty of traffic but full of rain and Reigning - then to the Barranettes Jubilee party to play the piano till about 1am. Much fun! Imo's birthday happily sung at the stroke of Midnight.
Then....
(yes there's more...)
to St James' Park on the Monday to wave a flag with the best of them.
Molto, molto grazie!
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