July started with the annual visit of my 'German' relatives Ann and Jochem. During their stay we each had different family weddings to attend on the same day.

I managed to complete what is now known as the 'Aston 125 exhibition' on the last date available (Shades of Parkinson's Law!), and then turn my attention to my old school's annual 'Festival of Cultures' the same evening. Here I sought to flog (in aid of school funds, I hasten to add) the many surplus archives that I had found during the work on the exhibition. The sales were sufficiently encouraging for me to pursue the idea via 'AMMO' (Aston Memorabilia by Mail Order!) My boss for the former project, the deputy Headmaster, professed himself highly satisfied with my efforts. I could have done with his being around when I was a pupil!

The following weekend saw the official opening of my conservatory by my brother, Tim. By the standards of our family the gathering was quite a small one: eleven guests. We just about managed the unveiling of the 'year stone' (with a tea towel!) in between the prevailing heavy showers. Thereafter, the magnificent cakes and onion bhajis brought by guests were sampled to extinction, after which the improving weather enabled them to mingle on what I know call the 'Upper Terrace'!

Meantime, work on the 'Lower Terrace' continues. My aim is to have the soil fully prepared for autumn planting or, in many cases, re-planting. These plants are waiting patiently in pots, following disturbance for the hard landscaping that was completed as part of the conservatory 's construction. This is proving hard physical work which I can only do in short bursts but already I am seeing the benefits of, and enjoying, the greenhouse.

My cousin's family in Bristol invited us down for lunch, at which numbers were more typical: 28! On a hot day we were able to sit in his second son's terraced garden with magnificent views over the city and the nearby Colston parish church.

The month ended with a visit to an old school contemporary in York. This started with a guided evening walk around this beautiful city, led by a local volunteer who had lived there all his life. This showed through in his enthusiastic yet balanced commentary. It was noticeable how many shops had closed, presumably because of the 'credit crunch' which, no doubt, will be used as an excuse for many shortcomings in the years ahead. The following day my host broke new ground for me, with visits to the town of Beverley with its lovely Minster, the stately home at Burton Agnes, and its magnificent walled garden, and Bridlington - nowadays a fairly down market seaside resort.