Clever Grandchildren

If ever there was a title to deter that must be it.  There is very little more boring than proud grandparents going on about their clever offspring.  Happens frequently on those Christmas newsletters.

Even so I regard this Blog as something of a matter of record where family stuff is allowed to mingle with building work and steam trains.

Way back in ancient times we recorded here our delight and pride when older grandson James won a place at Dr Challoner's Grammar School in Amersham.  Not only is it consistently among the very best state schools in the country it is a school-bus ride away from home in Gerrards Cross for James.  It was touch-and-go at the time as GX is on the boundary of Dr C's catchment area.

A huge amount depended on younger grandson Ben being able to join James at Dr C's eventually.  Well, Ben passed his 11+ (yes they still have those in Buckinghamshire) and has, as of yesterday, been accepted to Dr Challoner's.  Obviously having a sibling there already was a factor in that outcome but it was by no means guaranteed.  Phew - and well done James and Ben.

This is perhaps my favourite picture of Ben, James and Grandpa taken on an idyllic summers day outing to nearby (to Settle) Bolton by Bowland.