Under pressure

Just after Christmas Day 1955, Sir Vivian Fuchs’ ship Theron was trapped by sea ice in the Weddell Sea, just north of the Antarctic coast. The crew managed to free the ship after hours of hacking at the ice with axes, shovels, boards and boat hooks.

Struggling through to the Easter holidays I know how they felt. I’m being crushed by pack ice (marking), battered by icebergs (lengthy meetings) and slowed by strong flows of children distracted by the odd snow flurry. It's curious that snow in Antarctica is an educational tool, but snow in England is an educational travesty.

Image of Phil on St Patrick's Day
Last weekend I blew myself clear of the pressure with St Patrick’s Day celebrations, including lots of live sport spectating (London's Head of the River rowing race and London Irish vs Wasps Rugby League) and a fancy dress party.

Now though, just two days into the week, the sea of work seems to be freezing over again. Bring on Easter and a skiing trip to Stowe … with 94 kids in tow!