Revision (or the lack of it) has been the main topic of conversation over these Easter holidays, so I’m sure that Harry was thrilled to be back at school to play cricket and fit in the odd GCSE.
These days, the exams finish shortly after half-term, and Harry and his friends are whizzing off surfing in Devon to ‘recover’ immediately afterwards. As parents, it’s a shame that this brief term’s work makes no difference to the school fees, but that won’t irk us if we finally get a warm, dry summer for our teenagers to enjoy.
The past two summers have been shockingly wet, and for a keen cricketer, more or less a washout. Yes, the bluebells will be more beautiful this year than in living memory due to all that moisture fattening their bulbs, but bluebells, however beautiful, don’t compare to a great summer with plenty of cricket.
I know that when Harry reaches my age, it will be the games and the friendships and not the GCSEs that he’ll remember from this summer term. I hope, for everyone who’s just gone back to school, that this summer is unforgettable. Good luck in the exams, too. Some of you will need it.
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Dawn Chorus: A Blue Plaque for Marc Bolan, holidaying in the Caribbean with Francis Ford Coppola and a history of the National Gallery in 25 picturesPlus the best of the property pages, and how the railways will save the countryside.
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Game, set, match: 12 of the world’s most beautiful tennis courtsFrom Italy to Indonesia, when it comes to hotel amenities, a picturesque tennis court will always trump a 24-hour gym. So, before you book your next holiday, take a look at our pick of the 12 best.
