The long goodbyes

• By admin
• May 26, 2016
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There were lots of goodbyes to say before we left. I had to brace myself for the permanent  farewell to Willowcroft School and its amazing staff. This was going to be difficult after an intense, enjoyable and fulfilling 9 years. At some point during my last wek I left my office to see Graeme standing in reception. This was my first surprise. I was then led into the hall where a most wonderful leaving assembly unfolded before my eyes. Children from each class sang songs beautifully, performed little plays and read poetry (Please Mrs Butler,my favourite). My girls had colluded with the arrangements, sending Kate D-W photos of family life which she presented in power point. I felt rather exposed, overwhelmed and very emotional.

There were many other goodbyes including a rather delicious lunch with Sally at the Sweet Olive, supper with friends, yummy afternoon teas at Alison’s house with the lovely business managers and at Jane’s with other school staff. Drinks in Ju’s garden with Robin & Sarah just minutes before we left Oxford and finally a family weekend at Amy & Lynne’s house in Old Sarum. Graeme went to London for a farewell supper with his crowd – Jesse and Laetitia, Rachel, Alex, and the boys Etienne and Matteo. He’s always so happy to meet up with them but felt sad on his return.

The van preparations continued during the final weekend stopping only for an amazing breakfast on Saturday cooked by Sophie and Dave; the full English with pancetta (so really the full anglo/italian!), a walk in the afternoon with nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters and daughters in law, children and dogs in and around the beautiful countryside of Old Sarum followed by a scrumptious curry and finally, on Sunday, a pub lunch with Peter & Jill.

There were still many last minute tasks to complete. Martin and I racing to a camping outlet to get a correct gas valve, vital to our journey but not thought of until the day before we left! The wifi still needed sorting, luckily Amy was there to help with this one. My wellington boots hadn’t arrived so Laura kindly gave me hers. Fixing for the bikes not arriving till last day or two. The packing and determining what was coming and what was not continued. It was a race to the finishing line but by late afternoon on Tuesday 19^th April preparations had been completed and we pulled out of Hillfort mews with equal measures of joy and fear!