Half Term at last! There 's been a rush of donations and CCol and I have just about managed to squeeze in the last of the pencil cases, and one of our most precious gifts: a school hymn book inscribed by IM, which I am really looking forward to giving to his counterpart.

I've been immensely touched by the good wishes I've received from colleagues, parents and children. Of course this trip will be a huge journey of discovery for me (I've led a very sheltered life), but I'd like to think that the children of AH will be sharing the excitement of learning too. I'll do my best to make that happen.

Right now, though, it's time for a day or two of rest. I must prune the apple trees and perhaps play my 'cello for a while...maybe a last visit to Wells market tomorrow before I go, too.