July 16th (Weds)

A memorable day. Ever since 3rd January 1996, great Kingshill Combined School has been part of our lives. Who knows how many times I have dropped the kids off there. I have walked them up from Limmers Mead on blissful summer days, torn through Wycombe in a foul mood with them for not being ready earlier, played the "name that theme tune" game and the yellow car game. We've argued, discussed, cursed, sometimes cried. But we have always parted on good terms as one or more of them was dropped of at this warm, friendly haven of learning. I've held hands as we have arrived late and led them into the classroom to explain to teacher. I've taken in notes and explained to teachers why this hasn't been done or that will be done tomorrow. I've seen our kids disappear up the path huddled against the foulest winter mornings,and I have seen them skipping up the path full of the joys of spring and summer, their skinny little legs sticking out from their pretty summer dresses, or sturdy boys' grey shorts.
And after today I will never do it again. Emsy has just a week left as a primary school child, and from today I have early appointments. It will be very hard to take to turn our backs on this place, and I earnestly wish it would not happen so soon.
I go to Maidenhead to pick up S. It is her test today. After recent results I am wary of over confidence, but she drives absolutely beautifully. She just doesn't make mistakes, and I am full of confidence for her. Then we get to the test centre. We sit down, and i notice a letter sellotaped to the table. Strike Action, July 16th. Hmm.
CP arrives. Have we read the letter? We all nod. There are three of us and only two examiners. "I am afraid the unlucky one is........."
Poor S. She is quite taken aback, and a little tearful. She has built herself up for this and it is a terrible anticlimax. Public service workers are on strike nationwide. Inflation today hits 4%, but we all know the figure is far higher. Fuel up 20% Milk 20% Bread 15%. Things have a 70s feel to them. Recession seems unavoidable, and in fact the best offer on the table at present.
I drop off S and have an unremarkable lesson with the unremarkable M, then head to Princes Risborough to renew acquaintance with L. She does ok, but manages to destroy one of my new hubcaps. Onto the deathlist then!
In the evening my GKCS torment increases. We go for the kids' presentation re their recent trip to Weston super Mare. It's great to see the enthusiasm they hold for this, and sad to realise that In a few months their outlook on life will begin to be tainted by cynicism as the truth about life comes looking for them. Dodds keeps it short, and doesn't even ask for money on the way out. No more Christmas plays in this hall for us, no glancing guiltily at the watch wondering when can we escape. What I'd give for another five years of all that.
H goes off to the PTA afterwards, and the four of us pick up fish n chips on the way home. We sit and eat them as a family, and then fall out over the washing up. H arrives homeannouncing Sherbert is running loose in the street sowe go on a bunny round up, eventually steering him through the hole in the door which was once a cat flap.