On Saturday evening, we had a retirement party at The Bun Penny, our local pub. Forty odd guests – well, not all of them odd – joined us to celebrate my retirement. Family, friends, neighbours, and colleagues – both past and present.

David, our son-in-law, who is Head of Music at Bay House School & Six Form College had organised a band from his Sixth Form students, so we had live entertainment. They were brilliant!

I had prepared a speech, of course, and a toast, but the pièce de résistance was my rendition of “My Retirement Favourites Things,” which went better than I had any right to expect, after just a couple of run-throughs in the afternoon:

‘My Favourite Retirement Things’ sung to that tune from ‘The Sound of Music’

Rennies and nose drops and Sylvia’s knitting; Zimmers and handrails and new dental fittings;  Bundles of BMJs tied up in string;  These are a few of my favourite things.

Ibuleve, cataracts, hearing aids, glasses;  Polident, Fixodent, false teeth in glasses;  Pacemakers, rolators and garden swings; These are a few of my favourite things.

When my pipe leaks; When my bones creak; When I’m feeling sad; I simply remember my favourite things;  And then I don’t feel so bad.

Hot tea and crumpet, and corn pads for bunions; No spicy meals or cooking with onions;  Bathrobes and heating pads;   Hot meals they bring;  These are a few of my favourite things.

Back pains, confused brains and no fear of sinning;   Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinning; More of the pleasures maturity brings -; When we remember our favourite things.

When the joints ache; When the hips break; When my eyes grow dim;   I simply remember the great life I’ve had:  And then I don’t feel… so bad.

And then … ANOTHER cake:

The most joyful thing was sharing food, wine, champagne, beer …; memories, and laughter. It was, altogether … brilliant. Truly, “…a night to remember.”