Just back from Coventry, returning Andrew after a three-night visit. Dot came with us, and we started after Communion and a delicious Anna Green church lunch (Andrew dining at Phil and Joy’s), leaving about 2.45 and getting back about 8.20. Roads were relatively clear apart from a stretch of the A14 between the M6 and Cambridge Services (yes, I know that’s a lot), but as few lorries were involved, everything ran quite smoothly. Dot drove out, and I drove back. Cambridge Services has deteriorated markedly since a lot of other people found it and overran it. Don’t you hate other people? This does not include people we know and love, of course.

Andrew came to Norwich on Thursday, fetched by Phil and I in the Merc. Another fairly straightforward trip, with Andrew as good as I’ve seen him in a long time. On the Friday we watched much of the Royal Wedding, starring Kate and Pippa, with supporting roles for Will and Harry. Excellent reading by Kate’s brother. Afterwards I took Andrew to Dunston – a perennial request – and for a change we walked to St Remigius’ Church, up through Dunston Hall grounds and back down the road to the Common. Andrew surprised me by knowing where we were when we emerged from Dunston Hall gate. On our way home we went up Caistor Lane to view the bluebell wood from afar, then called briefly at Whitlingham, where the wind had got up a treat. Lastly, we called into the Rosary, before returning to the house for steak and chips.

Excellent day yesterday, when we all went to Pensthorpe nature reserve, which proved far better than I remembered it from years ago. Lots of entertaining birds, which is always good, not to mention some red squirrels, which appealed to Andrew. The wind was still sharp, but this was uncomfortable only while we ate lunch at the Snack Shack. Walking round the various paths, beside the Wensum and through a wildflower meadow, around some lakes and into some hides and gardens was no problem at all, in view of the sun and blue sky. Spent about five hours there.

Must mention also Dot’s excellent talk at the Surrey Midweek Fellowship. She spoke about church schools and had them eating out of her hand. The fellowship, not  church schools.