Sun 22nd March:

Gill & Andrew writing together:
We have had an exciting week.
This week was the OXJAM festival of musical fund-raising events in Leighton Buzzard that Andrew was helping to organise before he became ill.

The week has been very successful and all credit has to go to Edmund and Sally and others who have continued to organise the programme.

Andrew was able to go to 3 events:

The first was the St Patrick's night mobile folk session which went from pub to pub in Leighton High Street. We visited the Lancer, the Litten Tree, the Office, the Top Bell, the Black Lion and the Golden Bell before Andrew "was sent home" (his words not mine). There was a great atmosphere with around 25 musicians at the end . Andrew didn't play but that was probably because I didn't have the foresight to take his guitar!

The next event was the Paradox gig in the Lancer on Thursday where we stayed till half time, again a very good atmosphere.

On Friday Stomp were playing the ceilidh at the Ravens Theatre and Andrew joined them and played with them till 3/4 of the way through. Again, I dragged him off the stage having deemed that he was getting too tired; he wanted to stay till the end. He had a great time playing with Gareth who has stepped in as the band's guitarist since Andrew has been ill.

However, it was necessary to get plenty of sleep because the following day was his birthday. We were joined by Doreen who brought one of Andrew's favourite edibles - home-baked Arundel tarts - Bob, Ken & Rita, Pauline, Hannah, Malcolm, Mart & Cinta and Sean with sons Luke and Ciaran. Arundel tarts were consumed together with an excellent birthday cake made by Lizzie Miller. Pic at top of page. Lucy sent juggling balls and Sheen sent juggling clubs. As you can see it was a beautiful sunny day.

Today we have been recovering ( and juggling).

Andrew would like to thank everyone for their good wishes and cards and emails and blog comments - he is very touched.


Lots of love to you all
xxxxx