Dennis's 70th birthday

Sunday was as pleasant a day as yesterday. A leisurely morning rounded off with a walk then over the border on to the Isle of Sheppey to help Dennis celebrate his 70th birthday on a glorious April afternoon where we could all sit outside in the bright sunshine as long as we kept out of the wind.

Enjoyed the food and drink and the banter, met some new people as well as catching up with those we already knew. Saw a pupil whom I used to teach in the 1990s, that I've not seen since she left school. Now she's in her 30s, has three children and is a successful teacher of dance. Very pleasant to find out that some pupils from what was a very challenging school have made it good.

In the evening we went to the annual Feast of Fiddles concert at the Brook Theatre in Chatham. This was the final concert of their spring tour but they're already planning next year's dates and if you get the chance, you must go and see them. We've been to may be 9 or 10 of their concerts and although they're all good, tonight's seemed extra special. The fiddlers play all sorts from traditional fiddle music to jazz to pop and rock and musicals, they perform on their own and as part of a large ensemble led by the slightly mad Hugh Crabtree. Such talented musicians, playing mesmorising music. Our friend Chris Stockwell was so overcome by the music he had to go home and lie down in a darkened room, supported by a large scotch to get over the event. Peter Knight's "From a Lullaby Kiss" was particularly moving.