A Rollercoaster!

Where do I start... do I do a blog post about the final Missenden weekend for my students? Or should I tell you all about the wonderful wedding celebrations first? Or perhaps I should combine both in one long wonderful post because it has certainly been one long wonderful weekend with a rollercoaster of emotions.

 

It started Friday afternoon on arriving at Missenden Abbey. I always try to fit in a walk before heading to the classroom for the evening and as it was our last weekend together after two fabulous years, a few of my students decided to join me. No sooner had we gathered to set off, the rain started! We weren't to be deterred and eventually the rain stopped, our jackets came off and we posed for photos... just to show what a great time we were having despite our very soggy feet!

 



 

Friday evening and Saturday morning were a flurry of activity of setting up exhibitions, meeting with the external verifier, signing off work and greeting visitors. Then at lunchtime on Saturday I did I bit of a Cinderella impersonation with a quick change into my posh frock before heading off to London... no pumpkin carriage  just the Bakerloo and Picadilly lines, but I did bump into my Prince Charming when I got to South Kensington!

 

 

And these four young men... All four sons in suits must be a first!

 

 

It was a wonderful afternoon and evening celebrating the wedding of James and Lizzie. Lots of friends, family, laughter, good food, great speeches and a glass of wine or two!

 

 

But just like Cinderella I left before the witching hour... or at least before the last train back to Great Missenden where perhaps I should show you the final exhibitions of my lovely year two students who passed their City & Guilds level 3 with flying colours!

 

A striking display from Jane

 

 

Terrific work from Anne... the wall hanging is inspired by the buildings of Dubai

 

Lovely colour co-ordinated display from Wendy.

 

 

Beautiful work from Ann

 

 

Really fabulous work from Tracey who has come so far in the work she has produced over the past couple of years.

 

 

Wonderful work from Linda who has also made amazing progress from starting as a beginner in machine embroidery.

 

Stunning work from Mara... more on that in a minute...

 

And last but not least an amazing display from Scilla.

 

And if all that wasn't enough I also had the news that one of my students, Mara had been nominated for a City & Guilds medal of excellence.

 

Each and every student has produced several pieces of work that might be considered for medals of excellence but every single piece of Mara's work has been of an exceptional standard and her accompanying written work also reflects that excellence with everything beautifully and clearly presented. There is still much hard work ahead, mostly for Mara, who will now have to put together a presentation for City and Guilds... but very exciting times too!

 

 

And now after a weekend of rollercoaster emotions of ever increasing highs, I'm winding down with a glass of rather good whisky and a slice of birthday cake... because today also happens to be Joe's 26th birthday (Third photo down, second son on the left!)

 

 

So... happy birthday Joe, well done C & G students... especially Mara and huge congratulations to James and Lizzie, wishing you a very happy life together.