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I’ve had a great day visiting my parents in Northampton today, making the most of my relative closeness to them before I move to Middlesbrough later this year. Having not slept the other night, I overslept this morning, but I still arrived in good time. Lunchtime was a visit to a local Toby Carvery (which is rapidly becoming a regular haunt when in Northampton) where we had a good natter about all sorts of things, not least my new Salvation Army appointment. Late afternoon was a wonderful opportunity to sit with my 88 year old father and watch 6 Nations Rugby (England v Wales) on the television, my mother even prepared sandwiches and tea for us so we wouldn’t miss any of the match! My father has always been (and still is) a keen gardener, and the photo is of crocuses in the garden.

The phrase ‘up north’ depends where you live in the British Isles! Many people in the south of England think that anything above London is ‘the north’. Indeed, a ‘southern softie’ friend of mine jokingly commented that he gets a nose bleed after Derbyshire! I was born in the Midlands, and currently live in the Midlands (near Nottingham) – this is NOT the north!

Anyway, I received a change of appointment today to Middlesbrough Citadel Corps, effective from July this year. My current appointment was only ever going to be temporary one for personal reasons, whereas this will be a permanent appointment as a Corps Officer again (rather than as an associate/support officer). I’m feeling positive about the new appointment, although it’s a long way from my elderly (late 80s) parents. Middlesbrough is most definitely the north, but there’s still a long way to go before you reach Scotland!