Just a week before we were due to host the annual reunion of orphans from Ashley Down and the scattered homes, a major happening on the lawn at Müller House, right by the expected site of the marquee. Our ancient cherry tree - the subject of some significant past surgery - finally announced its end with a great bang.

Not being ones to panic, within hours the staff had arranged for a tree surgeon to come with a full team and the tree soon disappeared, piece by piece. All we are left with is a nicely planted stump, plenty of light and some wooden seats in the garden. The extra space has come in handy as well, and now we can see the beds so long obscured behind the tree. All was completed in plenty of time for the reunion.