I have begun the New Year with a
much needed assessment of my Charity and Community Commitments. Given the demands upon my time - ongoing and relentless
committee obligations not to mention the occasional lecture for how unselfishly
eager I am to share my skills with less knowledgeable villagers - I have taken
on the duty of monitoring my diary. Further clashes are to be avoided at all
costs. How grateful I was for The
Master’s forgiveness when his post Boxing Day shoot conflicted with the raking of
my internal labyrinth.
The débacle would never have
arisen, of course, but for the inefficiency of my junior administrator. Had I
not repeatedly told her to distinguish between mine and The Master’s duties?
Why, I even purchased two tones of writing implement. Such a shoddy attitude
has been noted in her personnel records and henceforth I will mastermind my own
diary entries.
Meanwhile I have taken to
compiling several lists. The first consists of organisations whose function would
be unfeasible without my guidance (Rub and Buff for the Inexperienced – an
ongoing series of workshops revolving around brass maintenance) and The League
of Traditional Housewifery to name but two). A second inventory is devoted to
institutions such as the Parish Council and Church. I have, for some years,
provided each with a backbone in terms of well informed opinion and refreshments
(though I will no longer waste imported Jasmine tea on individuals whose preference
is rationed to powdered leaves confined within what I can only describe as
flimsy packaging). Whilst yet another inventory contains those societies whose
practical assistance is matched only by my determination to raise standards. Some
improvements were recorded towards the end of last year. On one unannounced
inspection of porches, for instance, I was pleased to witness the majority had
recently been swept if not washed. A written reminder posted through a number
of letterboxes prompted somewhat belated action in the remaining households.
After weighing up my commitments,
however, I am currently nursing a dilemma. Although I had probed the notion of
stepping down from one or two organisations, how could I possibly abandon my
duties without stimulating an unnecessary plummeting of values? The core of
village life cannot be abandoned. I will, therefore, retain all my committee
roles, doubtless to the infinite gratification of the community.
