David Currie

As usual, the final countdown to Christmas began with Christine’s Dad’s birthday. This year was a bit different though as he’d reached a round 60 and a party was planned! Unfortunately the weather was a little unkind as the day was meant to begin with various outdoor activities. Ian and I joined a small party running the route of the Kymin Fell Race in the wind-blown rain. Gerry was injured so had planned a walk but strangely, no-one was keen to join him. Not to be deterred, he walked up the Kymin on his own! The children had perhaps the most sensible idea, getting wet in the swimming pool instead.

There was just time to wash off the mud before heading to their local where we were joined by friends, family, neighbours and fellow runners for food and drink. There was a skittles alley laid out down the middle of the room but this remained largely the domain of the children (even when there were other people standing on it!). Following the cutting of the cake (baked by Christine and decorated with the aid of myself and Sarah) Gerry was rendered speechless, although hard to say whether this was due to emotion or Sue stepping in very quickly! Anyway, here’s to the next 10!

Duncan graduated from cow to king this week at his playgroup nativity play. Once again, he looked rather like he was slightly bemused by the whole affair but joined in with all the singing and actions and did rather seem to like his outfit! Then there was Emma’s Christmas lunch, both children had Christmas parties at playgroup and school respectively, and then there was the school carol concert. We’ll all be looking forward to a break come the end of term!

Monday was Christmas play day (at least for me). In the morning it was Emma’s school play. No photos I’m afraid as all the decent ones include her classmates and we were warned off posting on the internet… I turned up with just a few minutes to spare and could barely get in the door. I then went round to the other entrance to the hall and could see plenty of empty seats as half the audience was standing up to take photos/videos! (Guilty as charged.) Unfortunately it was the ‘toddlers welcome’ showing of the play so it was often hard to hear the dialogue over the assorted noises from the audience but there was plenty of singing and Emma delivered her line as a ‘Chinese girl’ well. In the afternoon it was Duncan’s turn with the Hiltingbury Yellow Dot Kindergarten performing ‘Wriggly Nativity‘ at St Martin in the Wood. Duncan was dressed as a cow (costume provided) and sang along to all the catchy songs (I could too given that he’s been singing them at home non-stop for the past few weeks!). I probably enjoyed this one more and not just because it was shorter and came with a mince pie and a cup of tea afterwards! Only a playgroup play still to go…