Visiting Helen in Alton, Hampshire July 19th - 22nd

Helen and I were friends and classmates in 5th and 6th grade (technically forms III and lower IV) at  Manor House School. We stayed friends even after I changed schools and then later moved to the Boston area. We kept in touch through the exchange of letters with sticks of gum enclosed. (It was the pre-Facebook era).

We visited Helen's childhood home and had a wonderful lunch with her parents, sister Louise, brother Edward, and nieces Siobhan and Helena. After lunch, we all went for a walk to The Splash, which is a stretch of the River Mole in Fetcham.

Helen with Dora the Great Dana

Helen's Mum, Nina, with Beattie

Helen's daughter, Charlotte

Helen's daughter Victoria (with her very cool Ka car)

Helen's sister Louise, and Louise's daughter Siobhan who is almost 10.

Charlotte, Siobhan, and Helena (8).