It would have been unfair for the good Lord to have given Ashdown preferential treatment, I suppose - and we had been unbelievably lucky on the Saturday to have had a dry new pupils' day during which all the matches could take place - but we almost thought our luck would hold for the walk to Hartfield for the Rogation walk on 13th May.  Sadly, however, it soon rained on our parade - and a parade it was as we marched through the fields, along the railway line, past a couple of gallant tennis players, regrouped in the Anchor car park and then strode the last 100 yards to Hartfield Church.

A sorrier sight of bedraggled, booted people would be hard to imagine gracing a service at St Mary's, but a treat was in store for all traditionalists amongst the congregation.  The vicar explained that we would be using the St James' version for Matins - a rare occurrence for regulars there.  Lusty singing of the hymns soon began to dry us out, the Lessons were beautifully read, the boys' choir started 'Swing Low Sweet Chariot' rather tentatively, but finished well - and the collection was taken by two psychodelically booted girls. 

A broken down mini bus didn't exactly help matters for the return to school, but the children, their parents, the staff and a handful of four footed friends really enjoyed the morning.....a coffee stop along the railway line for next time?!