15th June 2008

This Saturday saw the family converging on Thurcroft to celebrate a truly special milestone, Nan’s 80th birthday! Jamie chauffeured Sarah in his new car (still shiny, still slightly alarming), while Sue and I made our way north. Charlotte, Suraj, and Lucas arrived from Newark, completing the familial jigsaw puzzle.

We had booked a celebratory meal at The Cartwheel in nearby Brookhouse, a location steeped in personal history, as Nan once waitressed there in her younger days. Whether she ever imagined she’d be back fifty decades later, being waited on, rather than doing the waiting, is anyone’s guess, but it certainly added a lovely touch of nostalgia.

The meal was excellent, top marks all round, and although there was a disco lined up afterwards, we left around 10:30 pm as Nan was feeling tired. Understandably so, given the excitement and a lifetime of experiences to carry. Still, she celebrated in proper style, and we’ve all optimistically pencilled in her 90th for the diary.

Post-party logistics were, as ever, a marvel of modern planning. Suraj, having to work the next morning (possibly fuelled by cake and duty), drove straight back to Newark with Charlotte and Lucas. Jamie, facing a party in Northampton the next evening, also made tracks. Ah, youth, and fuel-efficient engines.

Sue, Sarah, and I stayed overnight, which turned out to be a wise choice. After a leisurely breakfast on Sunday morning, we headed back to Harborough in time for Father’s Day. I naturally expected to be showered with gifts, praise, and the occasional cheese sandwich. What I got was… well, a nice cup of coffee, which, all things considered, is probably the universal currency of fatherhood.