My grandmother turned 85 in September 2002. I'd never been to England before, so it was the perfect excuse for a holiday - arrive early September, celebrate Granny's birthday with the extended family, and spend the rest of the fortnight seeing the sights and catching up with old friends in and around London. England's reputation for sullen weather was for nothing - beautiful weather every day! Dad flew over from Australia for the occasion, too, and showed me around many of the places in which he grew up. In turn, on his way back to the southern hemisphere, Dad stopped over in Japan to let me show him around Shikoku for four days - the children of Iya had never seen someone so tall! We all got to see something new that month. A top journey!

My brush with fame - Madame Touseaud's wax replica of David Beckham. This photo earned me a few laughs at school!

Family and friends at Granny's birthday in Surrey Brothers - Dad and my Uncle Paul at the birthday party Catching up with Cait and Gareth in Nottingham

A stunning day at ancient Stonehenge. The house Dad grew up in during World War 2, right next to the church where his grandfather was vicar.