The gathering of the Clans ...

Easter time and as the world's most famous son wakes up after a certain amount of terminal trauma; the annual gathering of the four families commences.

For extra poignancy this year Easter Sunday falls on The Beautiful One's birthday.

Not as lovely as the Beautiful One

Now far be it from me to reveal a lady's age but suffice to say she is the same age as Elle MacPherson but obviously far more lovely.







After 14 years of enjoying Bristol hospitality it was the turn of the ever generous Bishops to host the annual jamboree in the realm of Hampshire. Even more delightful was the prospect of literally a full house as all offspring were present making a total of18 healthy appetites!

Fabulous lamb, beef, roasties and pork followed by a choice of lemon meringue, key lime pie and a very delightful pear au tatin lovingly created surprisingly by the master baker that is the great Mr Jefford who has been hiding his cooking talents for many a year!

Fizz, ale, vin rouge and blanc, spirits, cider and beer and a huge chocolate birthday cake - good times....very good times! All rounded off by the obligatory raucous Charlie B's quiz that seems to get harder every year.

Late to bed in the early monday morning meant a slow start but aided by copious amounts of coffee and a badly needed full English, spirits were revived.

Here is to the next gathering and hopefully it won't be long ....

The gang's all here...

Ketchup and Lamb - a winning combination!

Happy birthday...

The perfect hostess .......

...and the slightly weird host