This picture was taken in 1950, when I was five. My father’s car is on the left, and St Andrew’s Hall is in the background. I think I have a faint memory of the event – may even have been in the car as it paraded round the city – but I can’t be sure. When the picture is blown up, there seems to be someone sitting in the passenger seat of the Vauxhall, but it’s too faint to make out.

Dot hasn’t been at all well for the last week or so, and had to stay in bed over the weekend, with an unpleasant cough and screwed-up sinuses. She’s up today, but still not really well. Nevertheless, we’re going to Caddington tomorrow to look after the grandchildren for three days: maybe they’ll be a tonic!

I’ve had a very busy few days – seemed to be overwhelmed with things to do. Spent nearly all Saturday working on stuff for Ambient Wonder, then after church yesterday I was at InPrint studios in the afternoon, making plans and influencing people. Have agreed to work on a large piece of work with Bronwen, and a collaborative poem with the other four poets (by e-mail). Am also doing stuff with Annette, who has just returned from South Africa.

On Friday Phil and I drove to Coventry to see Andrew, who is in hospital. He looked extremely gaunt, but was cheerful and very talkative. Quite confused about very recent things, though. Spoke to doctor, nurses and social worker, then called on Gareth. I think Andrew will be in hospital for a few weeks yet – they’re going to do an MRI scan to see if there’s an organic problem.

Some blue skies recently, and the odd warm today, but at the moment the wind is chilly.