Aah - can’t remember the WiFi situation but yes probably not as reliable as a hotel. And yes point re company. Hope you find somewhere suitable

And another recommendation for Gladstones Library as stayed with work earlier this year.

Are there any NT properties in that distance & accessible by public transport that offer somewhere different to stay? We stayed in Greenway last year (for my 50th), you can get food in the cafe during the day (ours offered hot mulled wine which was lovely for a quiet walk round the grounds).

Glad it was okay and you now have some time to relax and recover

There was a dinner as well (in a more salubrious setting) but she was, of course, the soul of discretion (think it was dogs, grandchildren and books)

It is. Former colleague from MLA has just joined the fund and I’ve been doing a retrospective of all things resilience. I’ve got to that point in my career where it feels like we’ve been here before. And then the next meeting may be on AI, carbon literacy or climate adaptation so same but different

But it’s dry inside - looking forward to hearing more about the book!

My mum lost her twin sister & brother in law in the 12 months previously. She could attend one funeral (but not nec how she would have wanted to, logistics & care needs didn’t allow for this) and it wasn’t possible for the other so set up online service. Get in touch direct if my experience can help

I lost my mum just over a year ago after 10 years of living with Alzheimer’s. There is so much to do/organise initially that you can forget to grieve and process. It’s also hard on the remaining parent and realise this may be more complicated for you.

So sorry to hear this Melinda, losing a parent is hard and grief will continue to hit you when and wherever it wants to but take the time to reflect, remember and share a life lived with love and joy (as it always sounds from what you share)

I will have to wait for mine as hearing him talk about it with my local independent bookstore on 17 July

Sorry to hear this, it must be so difficult trying to organise and make decisions (so many with so many different people and agencies) but make sure you take time to process things yourself when you can

Another time - would be lovely to say hello

I am staying round the corner for one of my now, infrequent, work trips to London and reflecting on the changes since I worked at MLA London (which was also nearby). A sign of getting older

At home with Dad this weekend, after a lovely lunch with my brothers, to remember Mum’s birthday. No cocktails but a glass of wine