WHAT A NIGHT

April 4th was the night that our rehearsal pianist at the Chinnor Operatic Society, Judy Thompson, retired after playing for the Society for 25 years. Not only was she an excellent pianist with a special penchant for knowing every artist's idiosyncracies, she would also coax a singer into singing to time, etc. (and help with uncertain words!) She is someone who will be sadly missed by an amateur Society. I suppose there were about 30 members and ex-members (like me) crowded into Glen Ebbs large comfortable house (a place where we often held our end-of-show-parties) Not only was I welcomed back as a member from 10 years ago, but I was thrilled to meet again with members and ex-members who were pleased to see me (also Pete and Jan, who have been living abroad for twelve years and have just returned to their area).
Steve had kindly agreed to "mum sit" for me to drive to Pete and Jan's house and from there driven by Pete to the party. As time went on I realised that Mum may be getting anxious that I was out alone and at 10.pm, I left the party and set off home. After about 30 mins travel on the M40 towards home I came across a road traffic 'incident' and was stuck along with hundreds of other car drivers, for over an hour about half mile from junction 9. If only I could get to J9 I could go home via Bicester, but no such luck.
At about midnight the emergency services managed to get the traffic flowing and I was able to get home via Bicester. Steve was happy to see me as Pete had phoned him to say that I was on my way. Mum was comfortably tucked up in bed, thank goodness. I learned from Pete that the party finished at midnigt, so I could have stayed!!!. "all's well that ends well"
Love from DAD