It would be some stretch to say I miss the daily commute into London that I did for 20 years, but there is a still a pang of excitement taking the train into the capital, particularly when visiting historic buildings. On Wednesday, I represented The Beacon at a private dinner, hosted by Rugby School at The Athenaeum in Piccadilly. A suitably grand location for a suitably grand school; the conversation flowed freely amongst my friends and colleagues from the Dragon, Orley Farm, Caldicott and Lambrook as we put the world to rights on all things independent education, exchanged mischievous gossip and rumours before the tried and tested topic of recommendations of podcasts and Netflix series. It’s a common myth of the big, well established private schools like Rugby, that they are stiff and obsessed with pomp and circumstance. In my experience, the exact opposite is true, and the Head, Gareth Parker-Jones (who until recently still played for Berkhamsted Cricket Club), and his team are always such easy company, great fun and completely down to earth. An atmosphere that ultimately reflects their school and of course, they love Beacon boys amongst their number – they fit in seamlessly.
The Swimming Pool saga appears to be at an end, and having had to replace all three pumps and several valves these past few weeks, the water has been replenished and is, from this afternoon, up to a comfortable temperature of 30 degrees. Therefore, we are fully fit on facilities and ready for swimming lessons and swim squad on Thursday. Thank you, boys, for your patience and on my side, thank you Jim for your constant string-pulling and attentiveness with contractors – that ended up being a quick solution to a big problem, great job sir.