Sunny Sunday

Yesterday the sunshine made the rugby players hot - the rowers happy to be on the river, and my dogs unusually calm.

The rushed excitement of the start of term is slowing down - today we have a lie-in (blogging in bed with a cup of tea and a wireless laptop is a good way to start the day) before a house meeting where new boys will be formally introduced to the rest of the house with a one-minute speech by their mentors- or each other for the half-dozen sixth formers.

Then we'll all walk in t0 Henley (about 3 miles) along the river, in groups of five - one from each year group. The mission includes finding out where the bus stop is, how to call a taxi, and the opening hours of the Henley Library. No, not the Angel on the Bridge.

Yesterday afternoon saw the opening of Gilson House - for girls, by the recently retired Chairman of Governors, Mr Nigel Gilson. A number of recent old boys came for a tour, including Jamie Albon, Rob Lessman and Adam Middleton, which gave me a chance to congratulate them in person on their excellent A level results.

Last night boys cooked a barbecue in our garden at the end of the evening - the amount of food consumed (this was after a good supper earlier) always amazes, and there are only a few sausages left over for the dogs' breakfast.

As in previous years, Lesley and I feel so lucky to be able to get to know so many interesting young men. We've been hearing about allotment gardening in Co. Durham, copper minining in Chile, cooking musssels in France, shooting and gutting rabbits in Hampshire, as well as plans and choices for exam subjects, sports and activities here at school.