The Sky at Night

Today I’ve watched a couple of programmes about the 50th Anniversary of The Sky at Night. It reminds you just how long the show’s been around (since before Sputnik) and how much of an institution Sir Patrick Moore is–and also how much of a twinkle he’s always had. He’s not one of those august celebrities who take themselves too seriously. We were even treated to a clip of him on an old episode of Wogan in which he jammed on the Xylophone with Hugh Laurie on the piano. Quite surreal. Patrick once played the piano for Albert Einstein, apparently, which is the kind of story you just can’t make up.

Despite the persistent promise of gloomy wet weather, we’ve actually had a lovely couple of days here. We had a very civilised Barbeque last night on the patio and despite the evening chill in the air it felt very summery. I think the rain’s now due tomorrow (and we certainly hope so or Janet’s Carnivorous Plants may be getting a bit thirsty soon.) And of course there’s no work tomorrow. Praise be for bank holidays.