I’m by the river on a Sunday morning when we’ll be remembering people who died for us. This river has flowed through Oxford and the boat you can see beside me is my Lady Lucy who has been to Oxford

Two weeks ago I was in John Radcliffe hospital Oxford -I’d been taken there from Eton’s Broccas in a helicopter and a coma! I went back there by car last Friday and pronounced well enough to return to full duties.

I’m told I  had a haemorrhage following a seizure and am assured I’m now on the right dose of drugs to make a full recovery! I know I have the care of the NHS which keeps me sprightly.

I won’t be driving a car to Oxford today or again but that doesn’t worry me. I am a lucky chap to live where we do and have so many memories of boat trips and those who came with me.

Lady Lucy  cannot be a part of my later years! She’s taken care of me and several thousand boaters!

The comments and the messages have helped me through the two weeks I was deemed to be in danger. E “get-well-soons” worked fine!

I’ve been on sedatives , though they don’t seem to have worked! I’m off them now and though I will have scars,  I am told I will have no further deterioration of my neurological powers!

This Sunday I will try out a new cap which keeps my wounds from getting wet and allows me to go swimming again.

But before I do , I will say “thank you” to make our country such a wonderful place to live in. I want it to be a wonderful country to retire in.

Mind you, with so much to be done, retirement won’t be any time soon!