Christmas 2016

 I march down our street shouldering a Christmas tree,
Surely I did this last month, but a year's passed already.

A year when Liz and her buddies up at Mizoram Baptist High,
Were asked to put on a musical, the school's first ever try.

"Just portray us as a happy school" was the instruction from the Head,
'We're a happy school' was the main message, sung, danced and said.

Down to earth from India, they toured sunny England,
Visiting interesting places, including the oysterbeds of Mersea Island.

Now that Sheffield's her home, Liz finds student life somewhat raucous,
I think she's read all her books on her undergraduate English course.

Joanna puts up with us old fogies, portions sizes have got fairer,
Recently at our church Ball, she won best fancy-dress wearer.

She continues to be theatrical, next term there's a trip to Broadway,
She's acting as the headteacher in the college musical, 'Hairspray'.

Studying English and Philosophy but drama's still ace,
A gap year is planned, then to university? (watch this space.)

This year Andrew's been learning about failing gracefully,
He didn't pass the third year of his course in family therapy.

On a happier note he celebrated his fiftieth year,
And is planning a skydive to show he has no fear.

Things go well at his work though he's concerned for the NHS,
His colleagues are wonderful and their support is a bless.

Margaret's school expands, now all academy's must compete,
She's a popular teacher, I don't remember giving my teachers a treat.

To Aachen we traveled to see the glories of Charlemagne,
We saw the amazing royal treasury and even gorped at his brain!

In the Summer fourteen Starrs stayed in Lorton in the Lakes,
Playing pool, cooking feasts and  following in Wordsworthian wakes

We are now off to Faringdon to join the Christmas scene,
With you we'll march together into the year 2017,