There were large crowds in Guildhall Square and throughout Commercial road to welcome the Princess of Wales Regiment (The Tigers) to Portsmouth who had come to march as their right as Freemen of the City. It had not been widely publicised but there will still hundreds of people to cheer as they marched by. They have recently come back from Afghanistan and Iraq. Sadly Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry VC was not feeling well enough to march but it was good to see two local soldiers receive their medals from the Mayor. Afterwards they piled their plates up high during the reception and seemed to be enjoying all the attention, quite right too.

This was a great treat for me, I had never met anyone over 100 before and Violet Dale was incredible. Although slightly frail she told me all about her life as a nurse in Sunderland, my grandfather was a doctor in Durham so I wonder if they ever met. Violet has lived 40 years more than my father and 60 years more than many of my friends which is a sobering thought. How much one can fit in to such a life.

The musical Sweet charity at Mayfield School was phenomenal. The acting and singing were excellent and pupils and staff must have worked extremely hard for a long time to pull off such a successful performance. They certainly looked as if they were having fun and it was good to see so many kids involved.