Pot Pourri from a Somerset Garden: Singers and Sunshine

We have just spent a super sunny weekend down in Hampshire with the Lampards, and really enjoyed a terrific evening at their local church for the Summer Concert given by the Wherwell Singers. Of course our main interest was to see Kim taking part - one of the greatest joys of being a parent or grandparent is to be invited to see them perform, whether it be in a stage production, a choir concert, a rugby match or whatever.

The programme was a great mixture, from Monteverdi, through Tallis, to Gregorian themes, a song from each country making up the British Isles (eat your heart out Alasdair - Loch Lomond would have got your kilt swirling), and much else. The church was full of a really appreciative audience, and the singing was SO lovely. Afterwards we had the great pleasure of being invited to a party back at one of the choir member's homes - and met some really interesting people. Such a perfect way to spend a warm June evening.

Next day was Fathers' Day, so after a delicious brunch we all went off to the pretty water meadows around the River Test - mainly because the kids were dying for their Dad to try out their F.D. present - a couple of balls which apparently bounced on water. ..... And bounce they did, providing much entertainment for us all. We stopped off at a local pub for much appreciated refreshments, before wandering back through all the families out picnicing and barbequeing amongst the buttercups on a really hot summer's day.

Once back home we all lazed in the sunshine on the lawn, enjoying our Pimms and dips, most of us ending up with more than a healthy glow! Then it was inside for a real feast of a meal, and plenty of wine, to help celebrate the two Dads.We left this morning having really been spoilt rotten, and on the way to collect a pot of the local honey we couldn't resist stopping to admire a nearby cottage smothered with roses. June is certainly 'busting out all over'.