Half Term

1. Duke of Edinburgh Award Assessment weekend - Bronze do a two day 24km 14 hour hike with 2 nights camping. They have to carry all their kit (tent, food, clothes etc.) They are assessed on navigation, camp skills, team work etc. The Silver do a three day 48km 21 hour hike with three nights camping carrying a bit of extra kit. The whole hike was completed on the lovely North Suffolk Heritage coast around Minsmere and Aldburgh. My job was drive to a place usually on the beach and sit and read while the hikers rocked up showed me where they were on the map, which way they were going and any problems. The only downside is the sleeping on a church hall floor but one night we stayed in a fabulous art deco building that used to be a stuffed bird museum but is now a hall for disabled campers.

2. Went to see Andy Hamilton - a good comedian that was mainly funny and occasionally rambling. Why are maps like old people? All the important bits are in the folds.

3. Went to London with a friend. Saw a couple of shows, went to Buckingham Palace, accidentally directing a tourist in entirely the wrong direction. I must have a trusting face as people are always asking me to take photos or for directions. It is especially weird as I take really wonky pictures. Saw two shows. Wicked is the back story of The Wizard of Oz bout why the green faced witch became Wicked and was enjoyable although it was hard to hear the chorus as the music was too loud/ singers too quiet. Visually it was spectacular. Also saw Billy Elliott. based on the film of the same name, which was very good although contained a lot of swearing. Just before the interval they had to stop the performance as the actor playing Billy had a nose bleed and they had to call for one of the other actors (not quite a typical back-up as they have to have 5 child actors) It was a much more interesting story than I thought it would be as it was set in the time of the miners strike and had interesting political overtones and the singing was in a deeper key which I appreciate. (I would much rather listen to a tenor than a soprano). It is difficult to criticise someone who can dance in at least three styles but the second Billy was not a great solo singer and lacked a little confidence. So far very relaxed and chilled out.