25th May
Well readers, the event of the year so far is over! The marquee has been taken down, and all the friends and relations have returned to their respective parts of the country. What a day to remember! The flowers by Paula Cosgrove were beautiful , the food from Oliver’s Bakehouse was scrumptious, the service at the Church, conducted by Father Andrew was memorable, and everyone said that my hair (which was done at the Topiary) looked lovely! So you could say that it was a real Village event. We had a buffet in the Parish Rooms after the service, and then cut the cake and had a glass of champagne from Spencer’s stock in the Manor cellar.
We all went back to the Manor after the Church service and sat in the garden with a Pimms, and I felt that my efforts with the hanging baskets were all worthwhile. Somebody even remarked that the Manor lawns were looking nice, though I think Spencer put them up to it. We had a chance to chat to friends and relations, some of whom we hadn’t seen for some time, and many of whom had been at our wedding 25 years ago. Spencer’s Best Man and his wife travelled over from Oxford, and Spencer’s brother and sister and families came up from the West Country. The Northern branch of the family came down from Luton, and Violet-Elizabeth’s god - mother came from Farnborough (fortunately remembering to bring the champagne flutes that I had hired from Tesco at Camberley). You will remember that I have made a couple of trips there recently, and it seemed like a good idea rather than risking the Paulet cut crystal. The staff coped magnificently with all the catering, and the weather held out, so our guests were able to stroll through the grounds and admire the hard work I have been putting in over the last few months.
When it came to the speeches, Spencer was put under a bit of pressure to reveal where he was taking me for our holiday next week. All he would reveal was that it was somewhere hot.
26th May
In view of the fact that I now know that I am going somewhere hot next week, I made an appointment to have a tanning session at the Topiary. I am not sure exactly what this involves, but I have been told that the results are very good. Spencer may choose to look like a Great White Shark on the beach, but I would rather not!
27th May
Spencer informs me that we are not going on a beach holiday. I become somewhat apprehensive.
29th May
Have a spray tan anyway. Looks good!
31st May
Final packing for the mystery holiday which starts tomorrow. Took the children back to their boarding school after half term and wished them both luck in their exams which take place this week. We have an early start tomorrow apparently, and Spencer has set the alarm for 4am. I believe that we are driving to Heathrow to catch a flight, but that is as much as I know. I will let you all know next week where we have been.