Nikki called earlier from Latvia. She has had a good couple of days, culminating in todays time trials. On the runs she was the fastest brakeswoman ! This would have earnt her the chance to compete for the Senior Ladies GB team in the World Cup this season. However, as this would mean effectively 3 months away to compete, and she just can’t fit that in with the uni work, she will compete for GB Ladies in the Europa Cup instead. The good news is she should now make her competition debut representing GB this season. The (slight) downside, is that she would have been ‘fully funded’ if she had competed in the World Cup, and there isn’t funding for the Europa Cup, so we will have to find ways of helping her with flights etc. But, she is correct to complete her degree, that is the right decision.

Rob is moved in, we had a text from him last night. He had gone out with his new flatmates, and seemed to be having a good time. Tricia drove Robbie across and he got enrolled, registered for the doctors etc. He is on the third floor in his block, so they had to work hard carrying up all his stuff (please excuse the use of the word stuff, but it covers everything, and besides which, Robbie calls it his ‘stuff’). The house is an emptier place..

Tricia and I went to see ‘Blood Brothers’ at the Wycombe Swan theatre last night, and it was very good. Ellie was doing some waitressing at an event in the village hall. This morning Ellie was keen to get up to church, she has little jobs before the service – Clive & Elizabeth, the church wardens give her little tasks, and call her the junior warden ! At the end of the service she was allowed to join others in ringing the bells ! We will see if she gets ‘roped’ in to being a bellringer.

After church, Tricia and I went out and did a jog for a couple of miles. My legs were a bit stiff from 6 miles yesterday, but the stiffness soon disappeared as I tried to keep up with Tricia . Ellie went off to her friend Helena’s 11th birthday party this afternoon. When Ellie is with her friends it is easy to see why people say she is tall for her age, she towers above them. Tricia went out picking blackberries this afternoon, and I was in the house on my own…. And Man Utd were playing Liverpool. Now normally I would have sat and watched it. But, last month, frustrated that I could never seem to get too watch the tv, I cancelled my sky sports subscription, which ran out yesterday. Ironic then, that today I could have sat in peace and quiet and watched the football. Oh well. Some consolation that yesterday West Ham managed to draw, and so we now have a point. Still bottom though.

Busy week ahead for all of us. Ellie is off with the school tomorrow to visit the Houses of Parliament, and will meet John Bercow, who is our local MP. I have rehearsal tomorrow night. On Tuesday evening we will be at Waddesdon school for a prospective parents / children evening. I will also be on governor duty. It never seems to slacken…