Summer’s last hurrah

As last of the season’s sunny weather hung around just long enough for an Indian summer, we were fortunate enough to hold our first barbecue for two years.

After more than 18 months of enduring the privations brought on by the pandemic, it felt good to dust down the Old Rectory gazebo and gather together in the fresh air on our beautiful lawns to recapture the simple joy of socialising.

Although family members were noticeable by their absence – a temporary hangover from the lingering complications of Covid lockdown – everyone agreed it was good to get back to something approaching normality, and nothing was going to spoil the party atmosphere!

As usual, our talented and dependable kitchen staff provided a delicious selection of summery fare that included: spatchcock chicken, sausages, herby potatoes, and salads – all rounded off with a mouth-watering meringue roulade.

The drinks flowed freely, as did the conversation, and the difficulties of the past year-and-a-half seemed to melt away in the summer sun. And though relatives were sorely missed, we all enjoyed the last hurrah of summer 2021.

Now it’s time to plan ahead for next year’s barbecue and…hopefully…a full guest list.