1 The executives took their places along the sides of the rectangular table. It was to be our new chair's first meeting. He has a light touch. He led us gently through the agenda, a check-list in other contexts, so gently that it took us three hours to make the journey. A long journey. A preparation for the sandwiches. And the pork pies. There was to be a session after the break as well. However, Liz wanted to get back, so I left the meeting in hurried fashion. (I couldn't find, we couldn't find the way to open the gates, so there was the prospect of returning to the meeting to ask 'Does anyone know how to operate the gate?'. However, a second essay was sufficient: the gates opened; we were released.)

2 A lovely autumn afternoon. The sun shone over the trees into the kitchen. I made a pot of tea, took my kit off, and stood on the patio, cup in hand, in the sun. Bliss.

3 Then it was time to turn again - 'Turn again, Don Cooper, thrice chair of the East Grinstead and District Credit Union Ltd' - to the credit union. Last night my concluding activity was to send a copy of the Business Plan, together with a long commentary, to the officer who services the County Local Committee, the body which (I hope) will grant us £2500 for brochures, laptop, and telephone. Earlier I had begun to e-mail the Members' Newsletter and the invitation to Christmas Cheer to the members. Today, after the exposure to the sun, I began the preparation for the meeting.

3.1 As ever, there is no substitute for preparation. The meeting went smoothly. We began, with a tray of tea, at 2000, and we concluded by 2115. James Hennessy attended and was welcomed. He seemed at ease, and I hope that he will find opportunities to pull his weight.

4 There was time, a few minutes ago, to talk to David Scott. Molly has returned to her home, with her white cardigan and with the other clothes which she was given. And, remember, she also was showered. David will leave on Friday for a five-week period of work, alternating between Mayaya and Dubai. So I may take the opportunity to drive over tomorrow morning for a cup of tea, a chat, and a chat with Molly. We'll see.

4.1 I have a meeting scheduled with James and Bobby tomorrow at 1400. Preparations for the Soames meeting. In preparation for this meeting about preparations I hope that James has thought about the revision of the Business Plan. In the best of worlds, he would have set out the headings, at least.

5 Following the meeting, a lecture at LSE. I have a ticket for a lecture about the state of women. I'll give you an account. Of course.

6 So I wish you a pleasant return flight. You have been a good grandmother, a grand mother. Leave the little family to themselves. Return to other families here in England. Bring your tales with you.

6.1 Remember, in the absence of instructions to the contrary I will be expecting you to land at Gatwick (North) at 0655 on Thursday. I will be lurking somewhere close-by, waiting to receive a telephone call on my mobile telephone.

Looking forward to seeing you.

Stayathome.