At
the start of July was the annual steam rally, held in
three large fields just on the edge of the village and
easy walking distance from our house. There are traction
engines both large and small, vintage cars and a huge
number of stationery gas engines on display, most working.
There's also a demonstration of woodcutting using a
traction-engine powered circular saw - 5 foot diameter
saw, no guards, mind your fingers! The beer tent is
also a good stop at lunchtime. Some great pictures of
the rally here.
The
Chilterns
Show was later in July, down the hill in Great Missenden.
Another opportunity for James to hug a goat (and a chick),
plus the regular appearance at all local events of the
Missenden fire engine. Matthew tried his hand (or head)
at being a firefighter. They also had a go at being
policemen.... The showwas not quite as big as last year's,
and all the children's rides were chargeable (last year
all the bouncy castles / slides were free), so maybe
they didn't make enough money.
July
means end of the school year, and the annual school
sports day. James may not be the fastest runner, but
he is careful, and that was the skill that meant he
won the egg-and-spoon race (actually, it was a potato
on the spoon since eggs were unlikey to survive). Well
done James! It was Matthew's first sports day, and he
made a valiant effort at his running races and other
events.
This
was James' final term at the Infant Schhol, as he
goes up to Junior School in September. Matthew has
another three years at the infant school, and he starts
Reception Class in September. So the summer term was
their only overlapping term at the Infant School,
and here they are on the last day.
The
school is a traditional early 20th century building,
with a number of classroom extensions and its own
large playing field. For the next three years we'll
have a double drop off and pick up - which means a
lot of extra walking for Matthew.
Just
after term there's a Christian outreach week called
"Lighthouse"
in Great Missenden. We were all involved this year,
James with the 7's, Matthew in the 4's, Bridget as
a Lighthouse Keeper in the 4's and Malcolm as a Lamplighter
in the 8's.
It's
a fantastic week for the children, and about 1500
from the local area are there, plus several hundred
helpers. The stage performers (including Rev Colin
Pye, left) put on an excellent show, culminating each
day in singing and gunging of some happless Lamplighter.
Both
the boys thoroughly enjoyed the week, here's Matthew
on stage during one of his sessions. As a four-year
old he just did half-days, but from next year will
do full days. Maybe that's why Bridget is staying
with the 4's group next year. Malcolm plans to take
the full week off work next year, and may stay with
the 8's group (having survived with all limbs intact).
Every
year this event gets larger, and just a bit more organised.
It's a huge undertaking for those who run it, and
a huge responsibilty looking after so many children.
But it's well worth all the effort, and it's an uplifting
experience both for helpers and children.
