Cats - I think Kendall enjoyed it! It was the best organised and best-kept-secret present you and Jacqui and Mike, with help from MGAS and Richard, could have thought of and delivered!

Not just that Kendall was serenaded with Carrying Nelson Home in Admiral Nelson's cabin on board HMS Victory (which the public aren't generally allowed access to), but that Mike O'Connor came out from hiding in the Admiral's toilet to surprise the Captain by singing it himself, with concertina accompaniment. Plus the special guided tour of the Victory from CPO Taff, and the tots of rum served in the officers' mess (also privileged access for Kendall's private birthday boarding party) while we sang Happy Birthday to Kendall.

And having subsequently repaired to the Still and West for a late lunch, Mike O'Connor proposed the birthday toast to Hawker.

Of the dozen people in the HMS Victory boarding party, 9 were Catters - Kendall, Jacqui.c, myself, MGAS, Richard Atkins, North and South Annie, Jock o'Dreams, Micca and Crowdercref. The other three were Mrs Crowdercref (Tina O'C) and Bob and Barbara Griggs, and 11 (ie everyone except me) are now at Chichester folk club, where Mike and Barbara are this evening's guest artists.

Thanks everyone (including the Admiralty) for a fabulous day, and for letting me be part of it. Oh, and it was a lovely warm sunny day in Portsmouth, too!

Kitty