Honkytonk: 01 May 2005

Here we are back together - not quite 40 years ago we were room mates at the prestigious IM Marsh College of Physical Education and Dance. We haven't changed much have we? Sadly, Alo's husband, John, died and Bob and I went down for the funeral. We had spent a glorious few days with them just a couple of months before, down in Dorset.

Bob's country mansion. Well he could be lord of the manor but of course, this is Kenwood. Bob and I went for a lovely walk on Hampstead Heath. We wanted to return Nigel's diary that he had left behind after the play reading. Nigel and Stella live in a house that backs on to one of the ponds and tea in the garden would have been delightful but it was not to be. A sudden downpour put a stop to that!
We hurried back to meet up with Lucy and Dave who had come over for dinner. They had brought their holiday photos from Thailand and we were keen to see them up on the screen.

Tea Dance at the Royal Opera House

Our first taste of the proverbial 'tea dance'. Not a bad place to start - beats the draughty church hall. This is London for you, beautiful dance floor, splendid orchestra, wonderful surroundings at a mere £7 a ticket (not forgetting the free coffee and biscuits served in style)

Bob and I love to dance. We are not ballroom dancers in the traditional sense of the word but we can adapt our moves to suit almost any music. The purists would not be happy with this but combinations of Argentinian Tango, Salsa, Jive and Lindy Hop seem to do the trick.

Covent Garden Opera House Tea Dance with a live orchestra

I am afraid it is the time for celebrating 60th birthdays. We are the 'bulge babies' and so there are likely to be many to come. This one was rather special, in honour of my friend Diane. Our friendship goes back to 1977 when our first babies were born (the two Tom's are still good friends). The party was a music extravaganza which included this talented musician.

The cottage in Wanstead, the white one, end-terrace, with the green door. You can look out the window and watch the families at the swings. This photo was taken a couple of months ago, before the trees were out.

Spring garden

Ep in the garden

Lunch with Bob

The Shoemaker's Holiday by Thomas Dekker

Stella and Mike, our star playreaders, relaxing for a moment during the reading. Mike had the role of "Firk", the famous "low comedy" character of the Orson Welles production of 1938 when he was played by Hiram Sherman. Mike warmed to the role as the evening wore on and the wine warmed in.

Ep and Jenny, at the playreading on 05/05/05, night before the election.

Stella,Mike

Jill, just returned from Turkey. Coming in at the eleventh hour, Jill took the parts of the King and Hamman. It was Jill who noticed that the camera wasn't flashing - that's why her photo is less blurred.

Mike

Ep's image, taken pre-flash. I've tried to compensate for the poor quality by making it look like it was meant to be this way.

Liz, Mel, and Roger talking politics during the interval. Passionate views are frequently exchanged during these readings. Ep thinks that often these impromptu discussions can more entertaining than the plays themselves.

This was taken at Creevy Park, in Devon. It is a glade in wood. This tree was planted on the occasion of Selma and Jonathan's wedding, here, three years ago. That's Inigo, already with his own point of view.

Down to Brighton

Yesterday, Monday Bank Holiday, we took the train down to Brighton. Ep and I wanted to see the family, only two or three weeks before birth. Things will change for all of them. Just now, they are living in a kind of limbo, preparing for the unknowable.
It was hot, we went to a park, I think it was called "Stenning", where there is a great old derelict house which will soon, regrettably, be converted into luxury private appartments. We played football, and I had a go at flying Jonathan's kite. One of Inigo's chums was having a birthday party. Selma told me all the details but I've forgotten everything - I'll try and get some names for you!
They decided to have a race of fathers and piggy-back sons.

in the back yard, taken by Jonathan.

epandme

Me

Ep&Me, Ep had just bought her hat in Boots, coming from the station. I love Ep's scarf! That shirt I'm wearing is a present from Simon and Judith, it comes from Cameroon. It is my favourite shirt. My hat was bought at British Home Stores in Blackburn for £15.