Helen celebrated her 20*2 birthday on Saturday 2nd February 2002.

The party started appropriately at 20:20 pm.  Friends and colleagues from work, old cronies from the St Thomas' days and Birmingham came to see Helen strut her stuff.  Hazel, Helen's flat mate for many years came with her new man Steve and sister Linda and Tony.  Jill and Vince, Liz and Hugh also came.  Brian drove all the way from Birmingham giving a lift to Helen's mum Jean.  Andrew and Julie came from Hemel Hampstead.  Martin shared a taxi with Trish from Tooting.  Yen and Mike graced South London from Tufnell Park.  They had to leave early as Mike was on-call.    Helen's team were represented by Emma and Adam, Heather and Nick, Christine and Brian, Cynthia and Ivan and Penny.  Elaine and Will came all the way from the Welsh borders.  Godfrey Scotchbrook flew back 1 week early from Hong Kong and came with Joanna to join the festivities.  Robert had another birthday present - a massive steerable BMW toy care from Uncle Godfrey.

René got hot and bothered in the kitchen from 17:30 getting the food ready.  There were sushi and dim sum and other goodies.  He got no sympathies from Stephen but appreciations from Bernice.

Helen on her Big 40 Day finally worked up enough courage to kit herself out with a pair of leather jeans.  Very sexy!  Got René even more hot and bothered.

Tony and Lulu came with Berni by way of Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons where they collected the Raymond Blanc birthday cake which was the highlight of the evening.  At 22:00, the cake was wheeled out to the tune of Happy Birthday to Helen amidst champagne. 

Guests were introduced to the cinema which was completed just before Christmas.  While more sedate music was played in the living room, head banging concert DVDs were played in the basement for the still young at heart.  These included Vik and Sheila, Berni, Trish and Carol and Andrew.

Even Monica McCann, Senior Nurse Manager at St George's, who has hitherto been shy of the Chang's parties made an appearance.

Short Break at Cliveden

On Tuesday 5th February, Helen, René and Robert drove off to Cliveden in Taplow near Maidenhead to round off the celebrations.

After an hour's drive, we were checked into the Lord Astor room which to say the least was the ultimate in luxury.  The hotel had arranged for a bed for Robert and were particularly thoughtful by arranging for a cane box full of toys to be in the room for his pleasure.  They even provided him with a little bath robe.  Helen was gob smacked by the large basket of flowers and the bottle of champagne in the room.

After a sumptuous lunch, we explored the grounds. Robert was fascinated by the food being served in two plates and had a silver 'lid'. He has been talking endlessly about them since.  We hope he won't expect to be served in a similar fashion at home when he has his tea! Robert loved the Secret Garden.  He also had a spell in the play room.

That evening, we had a baby sitter for Robert while Helen and René had a exquisite meal at the Terrace Dinning Room that looked out on to the gardens.

Next morning, Robert was in his elements when he was taken for a swim in the pool at the Pavilion.  Helen had her beauty treatment - which was not really necessary.  René had a massage in the afternoon.  After a snack lunch in the Main Hall which has a very striking painting of Lady Nancy Astor the three of us went on to explore more of the grounds.  Went to see the Octagonal Temple that overlooks the River Thames.  Saw the Turtle Fountain and then discovered the Water Gardens.

Another gourmet dinner followed that evening.  Robert was given a treat - he was allowed to watched the video - The Aristocats which was again thoughtfully provided by the hotel.  There were over 100 videos and CDs available to choose from. Our baby sitter said that he was very good and went off to bed after the video.  We had coffee in the Library which was reserved for our exclusive use.  Helen lost badly at Backgammon and pleaded lack of practice as the reason.

Robert had an early morning swim on our last day.  We decided to do that before breakfast.  Our plan to explore more of the grounds was not to be as it had begun to rain.  After signing the Guest Book in our room, we packed, checked out and left for home.  Although it was only a three day break, it was most relaxing.  Helen felt very spoilt and loved every minute of our stay.