6th December 02

Dearest Rita and Lex,

It seems my one-a-year task is at hand. At least Christmas gives a nudge and a jolt to get moving and restore pen to paper.

So here I am, wishing you above all else a happy New Year filled with enthusiasm you spread each year. I haven’t done too badly myself and to prove that I, too, have my adventures, I am enclosing David’s amusing account of our vintage Jaguar trip across Europe. It is self explanatory.

I am keeping reasonably well and enjoy the company of the family. Ruth’s two eldest are at University, Cambridge (medical studies), and Oxford (ancient and modern history). The other youngsters pursue their varied interests. The ‘boys’ are taking their kids on a joint skiing holiday and we girls will no doubt find plenty to do without them.

Ruth will be 50 in January. She is high up in the Civil Service; Leslie is Judge for six weeks in the year and then goes back to his Chambers. Simon is creative director in ‘Brainchild’ The Advertising Agency, at present doing work for the Ministry of Health. Jonathan is responsible for organising work and funding in the Community for the Guardian (he received the Dragon Award at the Guildhall from the Lord Mayor); Daniel is in Finance and David has sold part of his business and is engaged in challenging Community work.

As for the girls, Shayne is a fully qualified Jungian analyst, Jaki teaches, Noga runs a specialised computer programme and Jayne is a Magistrate. This, briefly, is where we stand in the world of work. I fulfil the role of Matriarch.

I hope this has filled you in and I am enclosing a photo of the ‘inner circle’. The group picture is not yet ready.

I look forward to your news and hope all is well with you.

Much love as ever,

Lore.