Felicity and family continue to enjoy their life in Sydney. Felicity and Richard have both changed their jobs last year and hoped for a more balanced work life balance. This has largely been achieved and Felicity's year long contract came to an end in September.. She is now Sales Director for the Asahi group in Australia and really enjoying being back in the corporate world. She is based out of Sydney which makes life easier although there is periodic travel across Australia. Amelia is now very happy at Roseville School and Harry is settled in at the local primary but is moving to Knox School in February next year which will be very good for him. Amelia moves into the senior School in January and is looking forward to the change. They continue to embrace the Australian sports culture and there is some form of activity everyday: running, touch rugby, soccer, cricket, swimming, gymnastics, netball, basketball. The weekends are all about chauffeuring the children to the next match.
In August we celebrated our 50th Wedding anniversary with a few friends on August 16th. A busy weekend with lunch at Hambleton Hall nearby and an evening BBQ all of which was terrific. There was one huge surprise for Susan, Felicity made a surprise trip home on August 14th and stayed for five days. We had hatched the plot last Christmas and only Felicity and I new the plans. I was concerned that Susan might faint when she answered the surprise knock on the door, fortunately this was avoided although it was a tad emotional. It was the first time that Felicity had met Felix in person and was also able to visit James and Lucy's new house in Crouch End on her way to Heathrow. A very short trip for Felicity but very worthwhile for all concerned.
Neil continues with his golf and has had a number of tours around the UK this year. His elusive hole in one is till just as elusive but he will keep trying - being close is very frustrating. We have enjoyed trips around the UK and attending various Opera performances. There was the opportunity for a brief trip to the USA and we managed to visit Gainesville where we lived in the early eighties. It was good to catch up with a few old friends and we had to marvel how much development has occurred since our last visit the ten years ago. The University of Florida is some size now and has an enviable reputation and facilities across all the faculties.
Neil continues with his golf and has had a number of tours around the UK this year. His elusive hole in one is till just as elusive but he will keep trying - being close is very frustrating. We have enjoyed trips around the UK and attending various Opera performances. There was the opportunity for a brief trip to the USA and we managed to visit Gainesville where we lived in the early eighties. It was good to catch up with a few old friends and we had to marvel how much development has occurred since our last visit the ten years ago. The University of Florida is some size now and has an enviable reputation and facilities across all the faculties.
James and Lucy have had a very busy year largely around moving house albeit only 10 minutes away. The original house was remodelled about 7 years ago and was ideal for the two of them and Barney. However the arrival of Felix pushed the house to its limits and the absence of a garden was becoming a problem. It was a bold step to move to the new house as nothing is ever cheaper in London but the house has been a great success and we can see them living them for quite sometime. There is more space and a substantial garden which is largely used for Barney's cricket and football. The local facilities are excellent and an easy walk from the house. Priory park is behind the house and provides an excellent range of activities for children of all ages and some for ageing grandparents. Lucy has enjoyed her 12 month maternity leave but this came to an end on the 4th December. Fortunately Felix is at the same nursery as Barney and big brother can keep and eye on him - we hope. James is still with Hello Fresh but is now Global Senior Director of Governance, UK People and Legal. This has been a big step up for him but he is greatly enjoying the challenges but as with all Global roles the time zones mean that meetings and conversations are varied. In addition to moving house they have had a very active years with mini breaks and visiting friends. We are with them for Christmas this year which I am sure will be both fun and tiring.
We are off for our Christmas break in Australia on the 30th December and back on the 8th February. This should be a little less stressful now the children are 12 and 10 and more capable of amusing themselves. Less child minding and even more chauffeuring for us. For the first time we have managed to book a weeks family holiday in an AirBnB near Byron Bay which given it's artistic community and history will be interesting.
We wish you all a Happy Christmas and very best wishes for 2026
Neil and Susan
We are off for our Christmas break in Australia on the 30th December and back on the 8th February. This should be a little less stressful now the children are 12 and 10 and more capable of amusing themselves. Less child minding and even more chauffeuring for us. For the first time we have managed to book a weeks family holiday in an AirBnB near Byron Bay which given it's artistic community and history will be interesting.
We wish you all a Happy Christmas and very best wishes for 2026
Neil and Susan