The eyes have it

A fabulous visitor to the garden today was this splendid Eyed Hawk-moth.

If disturbed it flashes these 'eyes' and rocks to and fro!

Party Time!

Permission had been granted to us to close our Road yesterday (Monday) for our fantastic:
Diamond Jubilee Street Party!
The last time this happened was for VE Day in 1945.

We live in a fabulous road with many lovely friends.

Thomas and Anna soaking up the atmosphere!



Hal gave us all an amazing street-science-show-spectacular!

Aparently this is a highly unusual chemical reaction where no heat is given off, instead the energy is displayed purely in the form of light (see, I was listening!).

Of course, I could explain this one too but you probably wouldn't understand it.



It was great fun to photograph the party from our bedroom window.

We spread out all our food and drink in one vast 'bring and share' - I thought I'd died and gone to heaven!!

Rather him than me!

Our red van seems to go well with the general colour scheme!

By this point in the proceedings we were comparing our various home brew (Monson Road grape wines, Elderberry wine, Sloe gin... hic...)!!!

Unforgettable Concert

The cover of the programme for last Wednesday's concert at Temple Church, London. Music of Life provide wonderful opportunities for young disabled musicians to experience the thrill of performing with seasoned professionals. Or in Thomas' case, hearing them perform his own composition.

Thomas' programme notes for the premiere of  'Aaronic Blessing'.

The acoustic here is reputed to be the best for choral music in London!



Temple Church was founded by the Knights Templar; it's amazing to think that people have worshipped here for over 850 years! It even escaped the great fire of London in 1666 by a matter of yards.

Thomas admitted to being quite nervous beforehand, especially as he had never heard his piece sung before - but he needn't have worried!

The choir (just beginning to walk in) were fantastic. They opened the concert with Handel's 'Zadok the Priest' and when they started singing we were 'blown away' by the stunning quality of sound. We were all thinking - wow they are going to sing Thomas music - can't wait! Actually we had to wait until the second half of the concert but it was so worth waiting for - it is impossible for me to put into words just how remarkable it was for all of us. The combination of the choir's immaculate sound, Thomas' incredibly moving music and the beautiful words  - it touched everyone there and is something we shall never, ever forget. We are all so very proud of him!