I WOULDN’T have missed this party for the world. A gathering of friends, former colleagues and people who have reason for thanking or who simply admire Sister Frances Dominica, the nun who brought child hospice care to the world over 30 years ago.

More than 230 met after a simple word-of-mouth operation by six friends to thank and celebrate the life of this amazing lady at the peaceful settling of Soho Farmhouse in Great Tew on Sunday.

Some had travelled far; parents whose children had died much too young, but were given love and often lengthy support by Sister Frances’s team at such an unimaginably difficult time. There were professionals and volunteers at two homes that through her tireless efforts, became the benchmark for the care of children with life-limiting conditions worldwide Just to name drop – don’t I always? – former Lord Lieutenant Sir Hugo Brunner and Lady Saye and Sele, both long-time admirers and supporters, were also there. But no one was given the red carpet treatment – except the guest of honour. Which was what the super six intended.

Thank you for including me.

THESE days it’s not only policemen who appear to get younger.

There was I, offering friendly advice to a fresh-faced Scandinavian ‘fresher’ who was mounting her shining Viking cycle (how appropriate!) outside the Examinations School in busy High Street.

“You should consider getting a helmet,” I suggested using my best concerned parental tone. I used to have one but it was stolen when I was working for my PhD,” she said.”I will buy another.”

This ‘fresher’ turned out to be a recently appointed lecturer at one of our colleges. She was most understanding about my embarrassing clanger.

MIND you, only minutes before, the boot had been on the other foot when a West Country father, near tears at having decanted his only daughter for her first term at Oxford, sought a friendly face – which happened to be mine.

I was marginally successful, saying she would be home before he knew it. Regaining his composure, he changed the subject. He didn’t recognise my blue and white tie with its classy coat of arms. Which college was it from?

“It’s not a college tie – it’s Huddersfield Town Football Club,” I announced, waving aside any apology on the grounds that I had spent a lifetime apologising for that team.

QUOTE of the week: “The more you give, the better you will feel.” Words from Tom, an ever-smiling and constantly obliging young guide when being handed tips by visitors who had been on his otherwise free two-hour-long tour of the city and colleges.