Rycote Park

Saturday was another splendid occasion at Rycote Park, Thame, to celebrate the 25th wedding anniversary of Bernard and Sarah Taylor. He and I were at Prep School together and he has a very successful career in company mergers and acquisitions. At least, I think that is what it is.

Bernard and Sarah have renovated the house and grounds into a most attractive estate, and the chapel is looked after by English Heritage and is open to the public at certain times.

On arrival we were ushered into a large marquee where we were greeted and mixed with the 300 or so other guests. Then we went through to the dining area and sat in our alloted places at the tables. The menu said we were to start with lobster, followed by rare beef (I can't remember the exact wording), and a pudding followed by coffee. Before we had what was to prove to be the most delicious meal, we listened to a small orchestra playing music which was associated with the house. Then we ate dinner and talked to our table companions, most of whom had been at Oxford at the same time as Bernard and Sarah and knew them from there. Only John and Fiona Smith, also on the same table, had known Bernard from being a young boy. At least I knew Oxford from my school days at Teddies.

It was also good to see others who I knew from school, 3 retired Army officers, an insurance broker in the City, one Royal Naval officer, an art dealer and so on. We went in different directions but I am glad we are all in touch.

I think the thing which stuck me most was seeing Bernard's armorial flag blowing gently in the light breeze over the house and the fact that both our taxi drivers had nothing but kind words to say about the Taylors, who are clearly have a positive local reputation.

My wife looked resplendent in her long dress and it was a pleasure to get my dinner jacket out of mothballs for this. I like black tie 'dos', but they don't happen all that often for me. No complaints, this Rycote experience just adds to the rich tapestry of life.

I will write about the celebration we went to the next day when I have a little more time.