Retreating to a sheltered spot by the river, a good group of parents defied the drizzle and swapped stories of our youngest boys in lively conversations ranging from Persian poets to Peppa Pig. Despite a better forecast for Saturday, Robert's finest efforts at the barbecue failed to placate the capricious weather, which seemed at one point to have reserved a particular rain cloud for our corner of the Close! Nonetheless, many of us showed up for bacon rolls and pastries, and it proved an excellent chance to show that good humour goes a long way, as we warmed cold hands on coffee cups and conjured sunnier climes. Thank you, as ever, to those who helped in the arrangements, in particular Sam Birks in catering, and the maintenance team for timely delivery of the barbecue.

Thank you also to everyone who contributed to the school's harvest collection throughout this week. This is a valuable occasion for the boys to reflect on the choices they enjoy every day, in contrast to the narrower field experienced by many others. The Year 8s relish their task of delivering your donations to Winchester Basics Bank, which will happen next week. We know the recipients are hugely appreciative, as too are those to whom circumstances oblige to rely upon it. As a contemporary version of the Wayfarer's Dole handed to pilgrims at St Cross for centuries, it offers a salutary reminder of connections across our local community, and of our place within it. 

Anna Elliot
PPA Chair