With Jon and Rosie being around and about for a second evening, we decided to go and see a film. Neither of them had seen Hot Fuzz, and as nothing else was of particular merit, we decided on that.

For a couple of hours we dossed around looking at bits of machinery. As ever, Jon’s collection of odds and ends provided great entertainment, including checking out a dismantled tank engine and a genuine bazooka amongst other things.

We caught the film over in Rubery and then went for some food, spending most of the time reminiscing about the old days and sharing stories before coming home via The Lyttleton.

Throw in sorting out a last minute ISA and getting the currency for my trip sorted, today has been nothing short of an decent one.

I spoke to a school friend today, who dropped a little something in the way of a bombshell when he told me that he’s now a father. I did know something of this before, but still thought this was early stages and was caught totally off-guard when he told me Freddie James was now ten weeks old. So here’s to FJE, his Dad and his Mum :) Knowing dad I’m sure he’s already seen the whole Disney collection and is drawing cartoons by the dozen.

Aside from sprouting nippers, other friends who have been in touch include Jon and Rosie, with whom I’m going out for food with tonight. It’s been over six months since I’ve seen either and so it’s going to be a bloody good catch up. Oh, the stories to tell…

Currin and I have also been busy, slaving over our global enterprises which are making for very interesting times. I’m feeling very buoyant right now, and with India/Nepal/Tibet around the corner things couldn’t be better. Even the sun is shining…

On two counts last night was momentous.

Firstly it was the Old Foleyans’ annual dinner, where ex-students of OSH come together once a year to eat and drink and then stagger into the PictureHouse afterwards. It’s the reason I was wearing black tie.

I met up with Steve, John, Mike, Nick and Josh for a couple of pints in The Crispin beforehand, and then we headed up to the school for a couple more pints and the dinner.

Getting in was a little more than we had bargained for, as the back gate was locked and we we’re keen on walking all the way around, so like old times, we all had to shimy over the fence which makes you look like a very posh burglar when you are wearing a dinner jacket.

When we finally arrived there was a chance to see who else had turned out, and it was good to catch up with Rowan (who I’ve not seen we left), Waggy, Paul, Si, Adam and a few others. The Headmaster was also doing the rounds. Si unfortunately got half a bottle of red spilt over him and I don’t think calmed down until after the meal.

John made sure we were all stocked up on drink nd after the two bottles of port and numerous bottles of red wine had disappeared (along with most of the cheeseboard) we got up and did some more walking and talking.

Mr Potter (the last Headmaster) made a rare appearance and I also got a chance to speak to Mr Jones, Mr Evans, Mr Plant (who has done very well for himself), Roy, David and few older faces who I haven’t seen in a while.

Once everything was wrapped up there (they closed the bar) we headed down to the PictureHouse (like moths drawn to the light). Being the final ever night before they shut forever (or something like that), wearing full black tie didn’t seem to go down to badly and I ran into so many people I knew, it made a very good end to the night.

I finally got to meet Will’s girlfriend, and ran into Greeny, Malin, Walshy and Mobberley – four people who I haven’t seen in absolute years. Liam’s sister also was about and a number of OSH boys who hadn’t been at the dinner.

All in all, I really bloody enjoyed the whole shambles.