The month started with two reunions on consecutive days: the first with old school friends; the second a more frequent event with former work colleagues.

The archiving work at school took me to Edwalton in Nottinghamshire for my first visit to the new home of an old school friend. The purpose being to borrow from him an old photograph for copying, to ensure that all the 'whole school' photographs are conserved. Ten of these remain to be done. It is quite an expensive task, so has to be spread out over several financial years.

Work at school continues to expand, more than I can deal with in the time available. At this term's review I was explaining this to my 'boss' who was sympathetic - then dropped another job on me! All great fun.

The next day saw one of my rare visits to watch Aston Old Edwardians Rugby First XV in action. This was in the mistaken belief that I would meet some of the opposition's supporters who are old Scout friends of mine. They had clearly thought I might turn up - and had stayed away!

Then my oldest friend and his wife paid an all too brief overnight visit from their home near Eastbourne, en route to see their son who teaches at the prestigious Malvern College. They stayed long enough to attend the regular weekly family coffee morning, where all present were known to them.

Though I consider myself a Philistine, the highlight of the month was a visit to see my old school's production of 'Oliver!', which I have reviewed elsewhere.

When not gardening or archiving I continue with the relentless digitising of my slide collection. I am now one third of the way through, yet still struggling to master the intricacies of the computer software that does the real work.

Gardening is beginning to take up more time now, as the weather 'improves'. This is the time of year when you discover what hasn't survived the winter, providing opportunities to try out new plants.

And the pond is full of frog spawn ...