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A warm, firm hand was placed on my shoulder. I lifted my weary head from its resting place and looked up. It was Paul. What an absolute sight for sore eyes after a long return flight from Oz. Just as the the trip had started, so it finished. Looking into the eyes of a loved one on arrival, with joy and relief.

I’d landed in Brisbane just 4 weeks earlier and looked into the eyes of my brother. Grinning like Cheshire Cats, we’d hugged each other hard. Pulling away at last, Graham gestured to Gail, who was following up the rear, and we, too, looked into each others’ eyes and hugged hard. There’s nothing like it. Soul to soul, we were thrilled to see each other.

And so it began. A month-long delight of sibling togetherness. New Year’s Eve kicked off the celebrations and we didn’t stop until it was time to come home.

The Chapmans in Oz certainly know how to live and entertain. They are absolute masters at it. We barbecued; swam in the pool; lunched; visited local points of interest; bowled; submitted ourselves to aqua-aerobics; and visited friends. We held craft mornings; lunched some more; yee-ha’d our way through the Outback Show; inspected G&G’s ‘estate’; visited churches and galleries; and oh…. so much more – getting sozzled at a winetasting; admiring waterfalls, crystal gardens and a natural bridge. It was all marvellous.

Gail asked me what I’d liked best about the visit. Well, naturally, the best bit was spending time together. And then I started to enumerate the things I’d enjoyed….. and found that I was listing it all.

We didn’t go mad sightseeing. We’d done that when John and I had visited previously. Apart from a few days at the Gold Coast, G&G lived their normal lives and I joined in, which was just right.

At the Gold Coast, we took the AquaDuck and had a trip through the streets before plunging into the sea and powering upriver.

We sailed past the houses on the waterfront, which had been worth a few quid not long ago, but are now worth millions. What struck me was the high-rise nature of the area now. Glossy and monied.

But still the Surfer’s Paradise.

A trip to Tambourine Mountain followed, with a lot of wine-tasting and being pickled by the end of the day – as you can see by the very cheesy grin I’m offering….. oh, what fun!!

We then experienced that beloved show – the Australian Outback Show – which didn’t disappoint. An arena full of horses, cows (my favourite!), birds of prey, dogs and people all narrating the agony of trying to hold it together whether there’s drought, or flood; or when the banks foreclose. And then describing the struggle of passing the land and its living on to the next generation. An historic story, but still all very relevant now and great fun to watch.

And so back to G & G’s pad, with its fabulous views and facilities. Despite being pretty much in the middle of nowhere, the pad is lovely. Relying on rainwater and solar energy there’s a lot of attention paid to their usage which, of course, I am not used to. I suddenly found that actually I’m a profligate user of both water and electricity here in the UK…….. sticking the washing machine/tumble dryer/dishwasher on at any time of the day!! I learned that I probably should do better.

But what a view overlooking the valley from the back verandah. Absolutely stunning. With 17 and a half acres of gorgeous garden, the view is uninterrupted.

And then there’s the pool…….such a hard life. After a day of a few jobs, perhaps a lunch out, it must surely be time for a swim? And a G&T? Or perky prosecco?

Ambient temperature: 33 degrees; Pool: 29.8 degrees; Prosecco: 5 degrees.

And, obviously, there’s lots more to share – I mean, I haven’t touched on ‘The Everyday Story of Australia Folk’ yet! I will, but in another Blog.

All this was just the start of my 2026. Couldn’t have asked for better – it has certainly set the tone for what I hope will be a good year.

Happy New Year everyone. May you and yours enjoy a happy, healthy and prosperous year ahead.

On this day, two years ago, we were sleep-deprived and drinking copious amounts of tea. Then, as now, the leaves were tumbling from the trees and bustling along the pavements. Not that we were enjoying a walk amongst them. Rather, we were saying our goodbyes to the ol’ man and sipping tea in the belief that a cuppa would make everything alright; make us feel better; or lift our spirits.

Two years. A time lapse. But not a memory lapse.

The time lapse has somewhat softened those hard edges that were so very raw at the time. And the difficult memories, although they pop up unexpectedly and still frequently, have lessened the impulse to ‘stop the world, I want to get off’. But at this time of the year, we are pulled back to the moment when we all thought our world had actually stopped.

John stepping out of our world was never something I’d want to contemplate. I could never imagine a life without him. But here we are – carrying on and, despite the John-sized hole, making the most of what life has to offer us.

We are able to enjoy family time and love being together. We are able to enjoy the company of our friends and laugh together. We are taking in all that life offers or throws at us. The ol’ man would be pretty pleased, I think, at the good lives we’re leading. His wish was for us all to be happy – and generally, we are.

So on this day, remembering the vigil we had kept and tight bond we made as John passed away, I thank the Lord for the life he had created for us all.

I know it’s such a cliché that he is so very much missed, but oh, very much not forgotten. His essence continues on in us all.

Goodnight, my darling one.

A little while ago, Andrew phoned. He was quite excited because a friend had heard about a mini grand piano which could be his for the cost of removal only. Crikey!!

“Where are you planning to keep it?” I asked, suspiciously.”Weee…ll,” he said, wheedling, “I wondered if I could keep it at yours?” I was firm. He could only keep it at mine if he actually came home and played it. Of course, he promised that that was his plan.

The next day, he confirmed the arrangements. It would arrive on Saturday about 2.30p.m. So, on Friday, Michael and the boys came over to haul all extraneous furniture from my ‘library’ area and the SnuGym in readiness. I was quite pleased with the result in the SnuGym. Desk, keyboard and easy chair all installed to perfection – of which, I only have a video and not a photo, so can’t show you how cosy it looked.

However, I do have a photo of the spare, very old TV that was left, by mistake, in the little room, on its way to the garage….. captions, please?

On Saturday, I tidied up a bit and, after lunch, I sat and waited.

Hmmmm….. the piano didn’t arrive. I had a horrible knot in my stomach. What if it’s a scam, I thought? I checked on Google….. and…. oh, Lord, that seemed to be what it looked like. I felt a bit sick. ‘What do I do now?’ I thought. ‘Text Andrew and let him know? Or wait until he arrives home at 1 o’clock in the morning before I tell him?’

I decided on the latter option. It wouldn’t be a very nice greeting but, I reasoned, it would be better to tell him face to face.

He arrived home, as expected, about 1.30 a.m. He had a lovely smile on his face, but his eyes weren’t searching the room. Nervously, I said, “Your piano hasn’t arrived, sweetheart.” “Oh…” he said, airily, “I know. It was a scam!” He didn’t look crestfallen or anything.

He explained, “I asked my mate where he’d found out about the piano and he told me it was an email in his junk folder. So I checked online and found it was a scam before I’d paid anything.” I was very relieved. But also a little bit indignant. I mean, we’d spent hours the previous day clearing the space. He could have told us, couldn’t he?

“What do you want to do with the space we created, Mum?” asked Michael when he heard the news. Put it all back was my reply. In the event, we just returned the chair and keyboard and that was that. Until……

…. a couple of Sundays ago, I was in receipt of a message from one of the ‘Teeny, Tiny, Toddlers’ Team, asking if anyone would object if we temporarily stored an upright piano in the ‘Teeny, Tiny, Toddlers’ Toy Cupboard. It would arrive the following evening – Monday, about 7.30. No objections of course, but a) it’s bit tight for space in there and b) it’s a bit damp. So I said I didn’t mind storing it at my house for a bit as I clearly had the space……

At first, this seemed like a good idea to everyone, until Kim, our choirmaster, poured cold water on the idea. It transpired that he intended to push/pull the piano all the way from Needlers End Lane to the Church Hall, as he lacked any transport for it. There was too much of a hill to push/pull it up to my house. Okay – no worries. And I sat back, knowing there was nothing more for me to do – unless I wanted to do some push/pulling? You can guess the answer to that!

On Monday, however, just before six o’clock, I received the following messages:

Erm…. OK! Of course, I said ‘yes’, and hastily tugged the keyboard back into the SnuGym……

In due course, a posse of people arrived outside the house, with trailer and said piano.

Sue, the girl in pink, had put a plea out on the local Facebook group for anyone with a trailer and anyone with any muscle to come and help. And here they all are!!

The original owner of the piano, Aimee, first on the left, is grinning like a Cheshire Cat at having re-located her piano.

Meanwhile, the piano was settled into situ….. not quite a mini grand, but still…..

As Kim was wrapping up the straps that they’d used to carry the piano into the house and as he made his way of the door, I said, “So, what’s the next destination for the piano now, Kim?” There was a bit of hmming and hawing; a bit of head shaking and erm well-ing…. before he said that actually he didn’t have a next destination yet. They were still looking for home for it.

Guess what? I am now the proud owner of an upright piano. It’s a bit grubby and a bit bashed; and it needs tuning, but the sound on it is lovely. Andrew: you gotta come home and get playing it now!! Hehe.

Shenanigans, eh? It is ever thus in the Sleath household.

Take care everyone. God bless.

We only get one bite of the cherry, so we’re told. I have yet to disprove this particular theory, so that being the case, it seems best to choose wisely as opportunities present themselves.

There are so many things on offer – many, many more than I had ever thought of before John died – to the extent that I am now making choices. Ay up! That’s a new one!

Birthday celebrations with Dawn, Alison and Sally was an absolute ‘must’ last week, when we drank to Dawn’s many happy returns of the day. We had a lovely time, nattering away and imbibing a spot of Prosecco. Who? Me?

A three-mile walk with the Kenilworth Walking women, accompanied by Linda, was a delight – with warm weather, great company and an easy path. Smashing. We’re in amongst the crowd somewhere!!

Quiz Night followed, of course, which is always my particular pleasure among dear friends. But here was a choice: take a Meditation Session on offer? Or Quiz Night? There was no contest here….. I am not giving up Quiz Night for nuffin’ and no-one!

French Conversation Group; Centre Stage and Table Tennis all played their part last week, but swimming took a back seat as I chose to pop into Solihull to order new glasses and to enjoy Freddie’s company longer than expected. See? I’m doing it!!

Family time takes precedence over most everything else though, and spending time with each and every one of my sons and their offspring is manna for the soul. I had plenty of that, as looking after Freddie, William, Thomas and Oliver was bliss.

Then a trip over to Wales to see Andrew at the weekend. And wow! What a fantastic weekend we had. A slap-up meal at Gwen, the sister restaurant to Ynyshir, was delightful.

We sat with another couple at the table who thoroughly enjoyed the experience too. So much so, that their review on TripAdvisor mentioned Andrew twice – and I got a (sort of) mention too…. ‘Andrew and his mom were a joy to share the experience with. Andrew was so knowledgeable with his experience of working in some of the great restaurants around the country.’ Fame at last.

We took in the theatre in Aberystwyth, ate at the Riverside Pub in Pennal which was recently voted the best pub in the area, and we rode on the little steam train in Corris….. I loved that and thought of Graham…..

We also experienced the King Arthur’s Labyrinth nearby, which was great fun – but a bit scary for little ones, deep underground with not a lot of light and roaring from the dragons…. I didn’t have to hold on to Andrew’s arm at all.

On the last day of my visit we managed a swim! And it was lush.

Near to where Andrew lives is the Dyfi Furnace. Built around 1755, this charcoal-fired blast furnace was once used for the smelting of iron ore and is one of the best-preserved industrial buildings of its type in Britain, apparently.

We didn’t have time to explore the furnace, however, as we ducked down to the side of it, where a waterfall churned water into the river below, inviting us in. Just look at that! Gosh, we had fun. Mind you, it was more of a dip than a good old swim but we enjoyed it nonetheless.

Good times. Chosen times. Because we just get one bite at this life….. I think, anyway. Sometimes I think the ol’ man still has a thing or two to say, but that’s another story.

Take care everyone. God bless.

I am a lucky girl. I have the greatest pleasure of spending time en famille as well as looking after the grandchildren who, it seems, take some pleasure in being looked after by me.

With the summer holidays upon us, it isn’t just one of the Kenilworth Newbies to look after of course, but three. Also with the summer time comes celebrations, one way or another, for the Kenilworth Originals, which has meant that I have had the privilege of looking after Freddie each Wednesday plus two weekends, while Mum and Dad party in London for Harriet’s sisters 50th, and then a trip ‘oop north’ to watch Oasis perform.

It has been fun and games and just lush. Honestly, I don’t know how it is but the grandchildren are just fabulous human beings and great company, always lifting my spirits and making me laugh. We have been having so much fun that I have been lax on the photo front…..

Meanwhile and in between times, I have had quite the social whirl, with a trip to London myself. John’s dear friend, George Pryzbyla, and his partner Val, invited me to stay the last weekend of July.

We really enjoyed ourselves with a trip ‘into town’, as they say, to visit the Portrait Gallery on the Saturday. And then on Sunday, we drove across to Henley-on-Thames for a boat ride on Kelv and Ren’s boat on the Thames, before a slap-up lunch and an afternoon in front of the TV, watching the Lioness’ triumph over Spain.

Here I am with some of the girls…..

And with some more of the girls and a couple of the boys…… I wonder what we’ve been drinking?

Here we all are (except Ren who took the photo) hoping beyond hope at this moment that the Lionesses are going to do it…..

Everyone was so lovely that weekend that it just felt right. I felt connected, not only with John’s friends, but with John, too, on what would have been our 51st (!) wedding anniversary, as we sailed up and down the river. Eeeh, it took me back to Wallingford days. Happy memories, eh?

As I say, I am a lucky girl.

God bless, everyone. Take care.

What an exciting few weeks it has been!

Ann Flintham and I have a plan. To walk the Thames Path. Not sure how long it’s going to take, but we’re determined to give it a go. And so, nearly three weeks ago, we started. First leg: from the Thames Source, near Kempton, to Cricklade.

The guide book talks about a ‘leisurely 12 and half mile walk’ in one day. Ha! Creaking with a groin injury and a tendinopathy of the hamstring, I tentatively suggested to Ann that we split the distance over the three days ….. please? She was in agreement. Phew! ‘Oh, yes, lets take it easy!’ she declared. And off we went – in search of water!

I promised I wouldn’t tell, but then, getting lost is all part of life’s rich tapestry, isn’t it? That first day, we had a wonderful walk – probably a couple of more miles than we wanted however, but we blamed it on the cows.

We weren’t keen on getting close to the cows, so we circled them and found we’d circled the walk too……. Ah, well, the exercise did us good but, you know? That gazebo didn’t half look familiar…… was it the same one we’d already passed? Erm….maybe….. hehe.

However, there wasn’t much water to be found – either at the source or for the first 7 or so miles. Didn’t stop our cheesy grins, though! We were having fun.

The sun shone and it was very warm…. but we relished it, and the next day we walked on in search of water and found some in Ashton Keynes. A teeny bit in the river and, of course, some in the pub….

We discovered the Cotswold Sculpture Park nearby too, so we spent a wonderful hour or so in the afternoon wandering around in, what turned out to be, an extensive display of excellent art. One of my favourites was entitled, ‘Bottoms Up!’.

On the last day we made it to Cricklade, which we thought was absolutely charming. The weather had continued to be scorching hot so, at the end of the walk, we fell into the cool of the local church, Saint Sampson, with relief.

The Buildings Manager happened to be there and the casual question of, “Can you tell me about this stained glass window, please?” turned into a full-blown guided tour. Fabulous. Loved it. Lucky us.

Next leg? End of August – we’re setting off again – Cricklade to Lechlade. Hotel’s booked. Physiotherapy is booked. And cheesy grins and sun cream (or a waterproof?) are at the ready. Whoop! Whoop!

A wonderful weekend with George and Sue followed. They met me at Lavender Hall’s Dragon Lake at lunchtime on the Saturday, where I was trying out my open water swimming again – this time under tuition. It was lush. Had a brilliant swim in gorgeous weather. More cheesy grins.

Moira joined us for supper that evening and we all went to the Jubilee Centre to watch the latest Bridget Jones film, which most of us thoroughly enjoyed.

Given that I was zooming off on my silent retreat on the Monday, I gave up my theatre trip to Kilworth with the Centre Stage crew, originally planned on Sunday afternoon, in preference for a lazy afternoon with George and Sue. As always, they are wonderful company and just what was needed after the exertions of the week!

And then, the Retreat. Everyone – and I mean, everyone – had laughed or been amused at the idea. A Silent Retreat? “You’ll never manage it, Anne!” they said. Well, I did. And I loved it. Such an experience that I’d like to do it again.

I learned a lot about meditation; loads of theology that I had had no clue about; met some amazing people – yes, we were allowed to talk in small groups occasionally, and also in the large group – there were 36 of us – at the end of the day; and I really enjoyed the lovely grounds and buildings of Launde Abbey to wander in.

I didn’t come home with a cheesy grin – more of a calm smile, which disappointingly, has been moved on this week by the frustrations of the bank, who think that everyone (including you) is a fraudster and not to be trusted at all so that you can’t get your money out without shedding blood, sweat and tears. Bankers!

On the bright side, we did sell Mum’s house at last, so that’s one less feeling of responsibility. Might allow myself a cheesy grin about that in due course.

All for now folks. God bless.

In our lifetime, there have some pretty spectacular, dazzling days.

From the thrill of getting engaged or married; bringing home our new-born babies, or watching that first/second/third Nativity play, with our little boys playing a sheep, a shepherd or an angel; buying our first and second house; travelling the world or welcoming home our sons who have travelled the world; or celebrating the success of our sons’ business acumen, educational achievement or culinary expertise. All very, very dazzling days.

And yesterday was such another. The ordination at the Coventry Cathedral of my beautiful god-daughter, Liz. What an experience. We were all so proud.

Liz has worked so hard over the years to get to this day. She has suffered hardship along the way but, despite that, she has never wavered. She has faced her trials and tribulations with strength and humility, very determined to do what is right. And the event yesterday felt so right.

And I was blessed enough to not only be invited to the service with the Cross family, but Liz asked me to be ‘Stole Bearer’, too. Essentially, someone to carry her stole and drape it over her when the moment came.

The Bishop decreed that Liz was ordained. Stole Bearer to the fore.

What an honour and privilege.

Here’s a few photos of the amazing occasion: first, the whole clergy at the end of the service in the vast Cathedral, those stained glass windows shining brilliantly in the sunlight.

Then, with the Old Cathedral in the background, Lizzie with Bishop Sophie:

A lovely photo with the family: Pete and Dawn, Lucy and Jack.

…..and finally one of her with her godmothers (one of whom is grinning like a Cheshire cat…..).

Take care everyone. God bless.

It’s a fortnight since I did a bit of a Blog. At that time, I was very busy. Guess what? Nothing has changed. I am still very busy. I am absolutely packing it all in!

Meals out in fancy restaurants; open water swimming; church activities; a spot of gardening and taking part in the local Am Dram play which we did a weekend ago. It’s all very nice thank you – and the pleasure is all mine.

I had turned up at Centre Stage, earlier in the year, when the group was reading through the latest proposal. No harm in reading out loud, I had thought. But then I was offered a part. Oh…. hum…. well…… it was only a few words, a page at most, so I said ‘yes’. It didn’t look difficult and I got down to learning the words and thinking about acting.

A few weeks later, the Director contacted me. Could I do another part as well? I hadn’t bargained on that but, having perused the script and finding it was only a page, I said ‘yes’ to that as well.

And, as it turned out, it was all delightful – even acting with Paul Sullivan, with whom I’d sworn never to act again…… he’s always so funny and unpredictable that you never know whether he’s going blame you for the script being messed up!!

We had a good laugh about it, and every time we were on stage he’d grin, and then mutter in my ear, ‘I thought you said you’d never act with me again?’ Funnily enough, I thoroughly enjoyed it and no script was messed up while we were on stage!

The cast and crew involved in the play were very kind to me and looked after me wonderfully well. I managed to totter onto the stage and say my words without too much fuss and even enjoyed trying on the Scottish accent for size.

The play was a great success, with everyone playing their parts extremely well, whether it was front of house, on stage or backstage – so all in all, a very positive experience after what appears to be a ten year absence from the group. Gosh, I hadn’t realised it had been that long!!! Must pay my subs…..

Roll on a week later and what next? Ahhh…..it was the Yoga Retreat weekend. Oh my, it was so good. Jaime was an absolutely brilliant leader.

We were at Holland House near Pershore. Such a treat – the location was marvellous; the sun shone beautifully; the company was vibrant and kind, and the yoga proved blissful. Couldn’t have asked for more. Came home feeling great. Even the dodgy hip that I’d developed in the last few weeks, and that has required physio, couldn’t put me off! See what you think to this venue! Lush, innit?

We practiced our yoga in the Chapel…….. well, actually, in this photo we’re about to lie down to immerse ourselves in a Gong Bath. Not a lot of movement going on at all here…. a bit of snoring maybe, but all very peaceful, hehe!!

We did actually do lots of movement and went for lovely walks, but here’s another one of us, just having broken into consciousness after a meditation session in the glorious garden under the trees – ooh, it was lovely!

During the retreat, I had time to think about the passage of time and how things change as we encounter different experiences in life, too. It was good to explore how I feel and look back on what we fondly call ‘the journey’ since John died. I am calling it a ‘safari’. I mean, you never know what you’re going to come across next, do you? Growling tigers one minute or peaceful open water the next.

There’s a comfort in knowing I’d had the ol’ man’s company for so long. The conclusion of the Maya Angelou poem, ‘When Great Trees Fall’ says it all.

And when great souls die,

after a period peace blooms,

slowly and always

irregularly. Spaces fill

with a kind of

soothing electric vibration.

Our senses, restored, never

to be the same, whisper to us.

They existed. They existed.

We can be. Be and be

better. For they existed.

In my heart, it feels like he’s always with me, encouraging this new life. “Don’t stagnate, live,” is what I hear. So I’m living.

Take care everyone. God bless.

I seem to be very busy. I have filled my days with all sorts of goings on, including the open water swimming that I talked about in the last Blog. I wasn’t sure how long I’d keep it up for – but I’m still going!!!

I’ve found new venues – Kington Grange near Claverdon, and Lake Windermere, where I swam for a whole ten minutes in blustery conditions with my dear friend, Sue Wakeford; and I’ve been back to Lavender Hall a couple of times, as well as Cliff Lakes, and also to Saxon Mill. Here I am, looking pretty smug in front of Guys Cliffe in the River Avon yesterday….. at eight o’clock in the morning!!!

And here we are, Sue and me, getting ready for our swim in Windermere, cheesy grins to the fore!

I spent a few days in the Lake District with Sue and Rod over the Bank Holiday weekend, and golly, they don’t half know how to look after me! Such exquisite hosts. I had the best time eating all the best food that Sue prepared as well as dining out on fish and chips. We walked along the Ulverston Canal – the shortest and deepest canal in the UK, I understand; and visited the birthplace of the Quaker movement, Swarthmoor Hall. Loved that – really interesting. Another cheesy grin photo!!

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, I’ve been looking after the grandchildren, one way and another; chatting ten-to-the-dozen at the French Conversation group; playing table tennis and still loving that; and helping out at the Mums ‘n Tots little playgroup at church.

We’ve had family times too, with meals and get-togethers whenever the mood has taken us, which has been lovely. Paul and I took the two oldest grandsons to see Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat at the Hippodrome on Wednesday afternoon, which was fantastic. We all enjoyed it very much. I mean, just look at those boys! All as excited as excited as can be!

These are not the only things I’ve been up to in recent weeks – there’s been a visit to Oxford with Ann Flintham; a trip out for lunch with Alison and Sally; visits from Pete and Fran, Michelle and Tim and, of course, George and Sue, who stayed for a whole weekend. All marvellous and wonderful things which have uplifted me no end.

So, all in all, things are going on okay. I am thankful for the continued support of wonderful friends and family, and wonder whatever state I’d be in now if it wasn’t for the amazing thoughtfulness of all those brilliant people.

I hope I’ve given a little bit back along the way though, being there for Pete and Dawn while Pete recovered from an operation. That was all very exciting, if a little (understatement) stressful, with carer shenanigans for Dawn, and a rush back to the hospital for Pete to check all was in order. Fortunately, that episode is well on the way to being behind them and ‘normal service is now being resumed’. Phew.

I say ‘phew’ because Peter is now back to his cooking best and I was invited round for an evening meal last week. An incredible beef in wine sauce, with all the trimmings. Excellent.

And there was nothing Dawn and I could do but lend a listening ear to Carol, as she and John closed the sale on their apartment in Spain and vacated it for one last time, a couple of weeks ago. The end of an era but what happy, happy times John and I had there with them. So grateful for all of that.

And there we are, folks! Still not back to blogging regularly, but I am starting to read, so things must be looking up. I’ve read three or four books recently, and have now accumulated a very large ‘TBR’ pile…… that’s going to keep me busy, if nothing else does!!

Take care everyone. God bless.

A few years ago, when I was feeling blue, my dear friend Linda B suggested we try open water swimming. Apparently such an activity is good for your mental health. So me, Linda and Anita all braved it that year at Cliff Lakes near Tamworth. After the summer season was ended, Linda moved back down to Somerset and abandoned ship; and Anita, having loads of other things to do, also gave it up.

Intermittently since then, I keep ‘having a go’. Mostly warm weather swimming and, being a very anxious swimmer, seeking out supervised sessions.

Once again, I’m up for having another try at it. The water temperatures are improving and locally, here in Balsall Common, Lavender Hall Fisheries has created a swimming lake which is very shallow, so warms up a treat.

Although the sessions are not supervised, I toddled down there last Friday to give it a try. I met a lovely bunch of women who swim and share their experiences as the ‘Bluetits’. One of the ladies, Karen, had booked on again for Sunday, so I toddled down there again to join in. Oh my, it was lovely. The ladies were so kind and friendly and looked after me a treat as I wobbled my way round the lake.

Afterwards, we went into the café and tucked into toasted cakes or sausage sandwiches and imbibed hot cups of tea – and nattered.

Once home, I looked on the Bluetits website and saw another session on offer – this time in the River Avon at the Saxon Mill. I’ve watched the Bluetits activities at this particular venue for a long time on Facebook and often wanted to go, but been put off by the fact that it is a a river. I was also a bit put off by the fact that it was on Bank Holiday Monday at eight o’clock in the morning.

However, I thought I’d go and do a recce. Then I thought I might put my kit on just in case. And yes, you’ve guessed it!! I got there, the ladies were wonderful and Tricia, a very experienced swimmer, guided me in and bingo! I did a swim in the Avon.

It was particularly poignant because the back drop to the swim is Guys Cliffe where the Masons meet. I thought of John a lot and the times we’d had there at Christmas concerts and parties.

It was lovely. The birds were singing, the water was clear, the shrubs were in full flower and the ‘Bluetits’ were merry. Here we all are – pre-swim and excited for the experience ahead.

Can’t be bad, eh? Feeling life in all its fullness? Go me!!

Take care everyone. God bless.