Feeling a little weary this morning - a late one, but a great one, at Penshurst Place last night, the guest of the Viscount and Lady De L'Isle at a dinner to celebrate the centenary of the Territorial Army. The great and good of the county were gathered, including three High Sheriffs (all profiled by yours truly in the Kent Character hot spot) and two further Characters 'in the pipeline' (watch this space), plus the Lord Lieutenant, members of Kent County Council, leading business figures, an Admiral, and me. Oh, and lots of men in uniform, which is always a bit of a treat.
We had to earn our supper, though. After drinks under mercifully clear skies, The Army Presentation Team gave an extremely polished, hour-long talk on the role and capabilities of the modern Territorial Army - and I felt highly relieved that in our July edition we've included a rather splendid piece by the Lord Lieutenant celebrating 'TA 100.'
Then it was outside to a beautiful quadrangle to be entertained to stirring military music from the Band of the Adjutant General Corps, who performed Beating Retreat which, according to those present who were much more informed than me, is a military ceremony dating back to the 16th century that was first used to recall nearby patrolling units to their castle.
We were duly recalled to our 'castle' to enjoy a splendid dinner in the magnificent setting of the Baron's Hall, with its misntrels' gallery and central open fire on the flagstones - which I was really rather glad of by then, as summer seems to have deserted us once again.
A wonderful evening, but a bit of a sleepless night - just how loud was that rain last night? I swear the volume control must have been turned up, as it just seemed to get noisier and noisier. Not great when you sleep - or try to sleep - in an attic.
Sarah