Yesterday morning in the grounds of Eltham College, South London, where Paul Henderson is headmaster. Also in the picture are his wife Maryta and my wife Dot, and their dog, who may be called Jim, if I remember rightly. Dot is sporting a spectacular fur coat given to her by her aunt, and Maryta has a hat from Poland which originally has tassels on it. We were taking a walk round the playing fields, which featured a few giant snowballs but mainly green grass. We travelled down on the Saturday, and the roads were no problem at all. We left fairly early on the Sunday, after brunch, and the drive home was even easier. Both times we took the Blackwall Tunnel route: went slightly wrong a couple of times on the way south, but nothing serious. No problems on the way back. Paul has done a fantastic job at the school: lots of new ideas and some brilliant progress in the music department especially. Lots of work done by the pupils in the community as well.

On the Friday we went out to Park Farm, where we had lunch, then called in to Waitrose, where we ran into the vicar’s wife. Bitterly cold day, but almost no snow left, so no trouble getting around. On the way south on Saturday we saw plenty of snow in the fields north of London, and David and family are stiill grappling with deep snow, though today the roads are OK, and Vicky has been to work. Oliver has been quite ill with a high temperature and a cold that has now gone to his chest. Amy has also had a bad cold but seems to be over it. Both are at home today.

We had out hair cut this morning, and Dot is now in the city: she was due to meet Carrie, but she didn’t show up, and her answerphone is full up, so Dot is rather worried about her. I’m due to meet a painter this afternoon with a view to collaborating, but haven’t got a time yet. Have left a message for her. More snow is forecast, which is a bit worrying as Dot is due to visit two schools tomorrow, and on Wednesday we’re both booked in at the King’s Head, Bircham, in preparation for an inspection she’s doing at Flitcham. Not feeling in peak condition myself. Got a recurrence of flu symptoms, though of course only in a very minor way.