Sister sings

A great start to the week! Lunch with Allison Ogden-Newton and hatching plans about transitional leadership development - much needed as leaders in local Councils look at change and opt-outs. We even managed a toast to Robin Bogg who we decided is a national treasure!

Then it was off to celebrate my sister Lucy's birthday (a significant one!) At tea in the Langham Hotel; all most agreeable, especially the scones. Here she is with her "birthday cake" ...



And here are gorgeous nieces;


Amy and Miranda

And here a photo of my gorgeous nephews


Oliver and Julian

They are available for marriage proposals, though I suggested to them something involving a stately home and fine wine cellar would be appropriate as their Uncle needs indulging in his dotage!



I reckon a Kate Middleton look alike???

Then we all took off for the Royal Albert Hall where Lucy, a member of the Royal Choral Society, is singing in the annual Carol service. With trumpeters from the Grenadier Guards and a marvellous orchestra it was a rousing sing along and a splendid choral rendition of some old favourites and new renditions of old themes. The Rachmaninoff Magnificat was particularly moving. And this was the second carol service so far. Two more to go.