The kids are heading, albeit in stages, back to school, which means it must be my birthday. Born on the 5th of September, I had the dubious pleasure of celebrating many of my birthdays with a return to the classroom. This year, as my birthday fell rather obligingly on a Saturday, I decided to invite a small, Covid-compliant gathering of friends for a drink to celebrate.

I can’t vouch for the others, but I had a blast – no hugging or kissing hello you understand, but lots of fist & elbow pumps and lots of laughter. We held it at the boat house, which turned out to be a perfect party venue as Tom Kerridge’s Party in the Park was taking place just across the river and so musical entertainment was provided by the Kaiser Chiefs & Soul II Soul. The only down side was I completely forgot to supply any soft drinks and so the next day I realised it’s true – dehydration really is my greatest enemy!