Despite the vagaries of the British climate, it is rare for the Willoughby House summer party to be rained off. Yet it was a close call this year, as the sunshine falling on the lawn when we were setting out the tables at 5.30 was replaced by rain and a chill wind at 6.30. Nevertheless, a steady stream of Willoughby residents and guests arrived, and in all there were 60 attended the party – which we think is a record. The rain was, in fact, intermittent and was confined to three fairly limited showers.
Our picture shows one of the heavier ones, when must of the party retreated under the tree, while others huddled under umbrellas until the shower passed. As we had only catered for 50, we had to make a mercy dash to the shops in order to keep the wine flowing for the last half hour or so of the party. Well done Susan for organising such a great event.