It may not have been immediately apparent to the boys that when Mr Murray takes them to Laser Combat, they are engaging with a foe of considerable skill and competitiveness. I think they smelled an easy kill but soon discovered that he has been playing laser combat longer than they have been alive and is a veritable terminator... albeit in tweed.

Crazy Golf followed (any kind of golf is rather crazy when the Choristers are involved!). George scored an impressive 71 on a single hole, suggesting that the concept of golf may have escaped him entirely. Jasper, however, emerged victorious with a sprightly 21 for nine holes. I was particularly pleased to be keeping the score rather than playing. Some sports are best enjoyed from a safe distance.

Just before the start of term, we took the boys to St Giles Fair. Among all the rides and attractions, the boys seemed to feel most at home in the haunted house, where they wandered through the darkness under the constant threat of suddenly encountering a ghoul, ghost or other such creature springing out at them. I have always felt that the familiar is a great comfort.

It has been a pleasure to welcome all the boys back to school and I commend their efforts which paid real dividends during the first service back in the Cathedral.