Baker’s Beacon Blog – Week 3 2024

Dear Parents,

After a couple of weeks of coaching and familiarisation, the boys started fixtures this week against our old friends Davenies. With the sun shining and with the ground still a little soft underfoot after the recent rain, these were perfect conditions to get into the rugby term. Whenever I go up to Willsfield as I did this week, I am always so impressed, not just with how well the boys play and how well they are clearly coached but how they conduct themselves when winning and also losing (however infrequently this was the case this week). Boys love their sport here and of course whilst we all like to win, most of all they like to play…and enjoy a huge slice of pizza and chocolate cookie afterwards courtesy of Dino and the catering team…which may also have something to do with it…

Think of us tomorrow as Brigid and I drive Patrick up to Birmingham to start his University adventure. We have packed him pretty much every kitchen utensil known to the catering industry – none of which I’m sure he’ll ever use – and Brigid has printed out dozens of family photographs for him; no doubt in fear that in being away, he might forget about us. It’s fair to say that Patrick is ready to leave home, particularly this week when many of his friends left last weekend, but he’s still our little boy and it seems no time at all since he was playing his first U8 rugby matches for the school team. I suggested yesterday we leave in the morning to give plenty of time to travel but he said no, he was happy to go to ‘Plates’ for breakfast and then watch Norwich vs Watford on Sky with me and Joseph before the big depart. Looking forward to the next stage of his life absolutely, but still a homeboy at heart…

Have a good weekend,

Nick Baker

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