Moontan

I’m on the Virgin Pendolino train to Manchester, and it’s packed with
other business travellers. Luckily I’m in the ‘Quiet coach’ which is
where music players and telephone conversations are seriously frowned
upon. London Euston station was also overcrowded, and it’s not the
prettiest of stations. Manchester Piccadilly is also always full, and
I enjoy listening to all the northern accents.

Last night we had a reception after work. Our team had won a
prestigious international award - the work was done before my time -
and the BBC’s deputy director general gave a short speech for a small
group of about 20 people. The food was excellent, and we chatted and
talked until almost seven thirty. I had forgotten about this event,
so had to stay late after work without telling the girls. Phone calls
are fine, but Liela and Elfie aren’t impressed by intentions: they like
bed time stories.

This week I’ve been buried in meetings, and had another one this
afternoon at Marylebone High Street. It’s where one of the BBC
buildings are located, just off Oxford street, and I met some of my
Manchester colleagues there. Tomorrow I’ll see some of them again for
more meetings, and perhaps go out for lunch as well. I’ll only get
back to East Horsley later tomorrow evening, after my girls are
already asleep.

On Saturday the BBC world Service has a massive 75th birthday rock
concert at the O2 arena in London. All my former colleagues will be
there, but I can’t go as we’ve invited Anne and Waldo over for dinner.

All of this hustle and bustle makes for a lonely time. Any week in
which I unexpectedly miss three nights in a row from home makes me
miss them even more.