There I was with my children at the annual Gillingham latern parade. Father Christmas was expected to switch on the Christmas tree lights, the streets were lined and the atmosphere was fantastic. I had a tired and heavy 4 year old on my shoulders, and I really didn't expect to be in a good position to get many photos, so I put my camera away.

The Mayor then announced the winners of the School Latern competition and I suddenly realised that I was the mother of the co-creator of the winning latern! I flipped by daughter from my shoulders, (which didn't go down very well), and scrambled to get my camera out of my backpack in time to get a shot of my son receiving the winning shield. The little'un flipped out and started running toward the bank of the river, so I'm surprised I managed to get any! The group shot was quickly assembled, but I think that the children photographed were far too distracted by my daughters behaviour to actually look into the camera!

I sent them to the local Blackmore Vale Magazine anyway, and here they are, and in 'Gillingham Matters' too.