If yesterday was cultural, today was celebritastic.
First off, I’m relatively sure I saw Nicky Clarke in the grounds of Kenwood House this morning. Normally, that would be a reasonable score. But this afternoon we went to the Hampstead Cricket Club end of season celebrity charity special, where there were famous people a go-go.
Emma Thompson bowled the first ball (look for the black trousers in the middle of the pitch):
She very kindly signed a copy of her Nanny McPhee book for small people I know. Her mum (Phyllida Law) did likewise with her own book. It was very sweet of them both and they were both very charming.
Imelda Staunton was there. Her husband Jim Carter, the butler off Downton Abbey, was giving droll commentary. Dan Stevens (who is also in Downton as the heir who ain’t quite posh enough) was playing. Here’s an action shot:
Last but not least, I’m fairly sure Duncan Preston, the actor best known in my house for his work with Victoria Wood in the 80s and 90s, was also watching.
Fair play to all of them, I hope they raised a ton of cash for the club and even more tons of awareness for the Anthony Nolan Trust.
Six hours to go until Downton returns!
UPDATE: I won nothing in the raffle. Penelope Wilton, however – that’s Isobel Crawley, the mother of the not-posh-enough-heir – did. I now really cannot wait to get my Downton.
