The river always comes into its own at this time of year, and against this bucolic backdrop, we happily dodged hanging baskets (strategically hung at head height, we discovered, as several of us backed into them; they're clearly for the boys' benefit!), to swap news and compare notes. It was particularly nice to see one of the school's Pilgrims' Committee members (governors) down there; as an old Pilgrims' parent they were keen to catch up on current events, which brought a pleasant sense of continuity and connection.

On Saturday, the sun shone as we wheeled out the barbecue, the early-morning scene taking an unexpectedly Dickensian turn, as a row of small boys appeared before me, performatively waiting for the bacon to sizzle. Messrs. Duncan and Butcher assured me that they had indeed had breakfast, and still protesting, they were duly dispatched to wherever they were meant to be. These are always good-humoured gatherings, and it was great to see a nice group of parents filling the space between drop off and the last of this year's Parleys. On the subject of discernment, this was a wide-ranging and thought-provoking discussion, as ever. 

Thank you to the catering team and maintenance for providing the wherewithal and to the PPA team for helping out so readily.  On this front, particular thanks are due to two Pre-Prep parents for their invaluable role in sorting out the shed a couple of week's back, a Pandora's box of paraphernalia old and new, which is now significantly tidier!  Thank you also to Valentina for masterminding a considerable merchandise order to replenish our diminished stocks. Do look out for this; it will be with us very soon. Any parents of Year 8 and other leavers, especially, may want to think of this as a way of using up any credits accumulated in the Uniform Shop. On which, more anon...

Anna Elliot
PPA Chair