Ayr

I am working in Ayr today, and it's sunny and beautiful. In between reading through a pile of student work (so interesting to see how music students study in Scotland)and reading through more student work, I took a stroll down to the seafront, where a horse was being ridden through the sea, various dogs were being exercised, and weary, sunburnt people were collecting up their belongings at the end of a very hot day. Funny how the sea ona sunny day brings its own peace: big skies, flat horizon. Even among the crowds at West Wittering in Sussex (five people per square metre, all changing nappies and spilling tea on the sand), it's possible to tune into the calming soundscape of distant seagulls and the silent power beneath the waves. Roll on holiday time, if such a thing can happen this year!