Town Mouse

Don’t do it again

WE have just had a rare weekend away without the children. News of our proposed absence in Worcestershire was not well received, but, when the moment came, the prospect of being spoilt by an aunt and uncle for a couple of days clearly held some appeal.

The weekend was a delight. A particular highlight was a spectacular morning walk amid the Malvern Hills that included a visit to Little Malvern Priory with its 15th-century stained glass. Not only was the church beautifully kept, but there was a small note encouraging visitors to help themselves to tea, coffee and biscuits. We didn’t avail ourselves of the offer, but felt truly welcomed.

Rather less enjoyable was the business of travelling after so much rain. At moments, the flooding assumed biblical proportions and, on the way back, crossing the River Severn was complicated by numerous road closures. As a result, we arrived home much later than anticipated. The children had evidently enjoyed our absence, but they weren’t going to let this moment of moral advantage pass. We were told—i suspect in words from one of my own lectures—that there was no excuse for lateness. ‘You just shouldn’t have gone away,’ they agreed piously. ‘Don’t do it again.’ Easier said than done. JG