I know – I just don't look old enough to be going to a 60th, hey?
But it's not the first and it certainly won't be the last – in fact delighted to have been up with David & Mandy in 'the Gate' for the second of their 60th birthdays.
Amazingly good weather for a March birthday – thank you the gods – which meant that David not only had his fab special dinner at Ripley Castle on the Saturday night, but also everything else on the birthday planning list. Check us out in our posh clothes – a very rare appearance for an actual dress and some makeup…
Not that he knew much about it – Mands had been in full planning swing, with her magic notebook and list for things to do.. And there we were – in the castle, candles everywhere and all David's favourite people.
It was however, all about to end in tears – as Hawksey did his speech – complete with flat cap – using 5 words sent by every member of the family to describe David, including from the 6 grandsons, which had him in floods. Rapidly followed by his daughters doing a 'David Brigham – This Is Your Life' presentation. Complete with photos of David's terrible moustache and dress sense of the 1970s and beyond – it's a good job we've only known him for about 10 years as it was only then the speedos were swapped for a new camel jacket… Cue more tears and a very happy nearly-birthday boy.
Big effort too from the girls, with Charlotte hosting David's birthday breakfast at her house on the Sunday morning. Not that anyone could face the waiting bottles of champagne after the night before – it was strictly a tea/coffee and non-alcoholic liquids event! With more buns and brunch bits than than a bunny place on a bunny day..
And of course time for a few more boos as David opened his presents and read lots of lovely words – all deserved, he really is a top bloke.
Luckily the planned golf went ahead on Sunday afternoon, blowing away a few hangover cobwebs (and a bit of David's hangover, migraine and toothache) …
…so we were all guns blazing by Sun eve for the dinner H had booked at 'The Dev' – the Devonshire Arms with its posh restaurant and tasting menu. Have to say, v good food and only one glass smashed when H got too close with the wine bottle..
Finished off this morning with a leisurely start, a huge cooked breakfast and a walk round the sheep fields with Macey – felt very odd without Scrumpy, who went for a play weekend at Nursey's – suspect she will be utterly shagged tonight when we get her back after 3 nights with Elizabeth and Jasper all over her…