Time travel is a wonderful experience… We spent the past weekend back in 1810, as guests at Lord Fawcett’s annual house party – perhaps the most splendid roleplaying event around.

The concept is staggering in its ambition: fourteen guests looked after by a cook (creating feasts quite literally worthy of a Michelin star) and three staff. Living in a Regency-era country house from Friday evening to Sunday tea. Entertained by diverse activities – games, gambling, gossip, even a costume ball. Thrashings galore, needless to say. And all staying in character for the duration.

His Lordship started proceedings by noting that this was the fifth such annual event, and remembering highlights of years gone by. As he did so – memorable naval battles, notorious wardrobe malfunctions – I noted various personal milestones, too, of a somewhat ruder variety (first threesome, first moresome).

Haron and I would just like to thank his Lordship and the Arch-Duchess (the party’s hostess) for an incredible few days. That they work so tirelessly to arrange such an amazing event for their circle (for, I might add, no personal profit whatsoever) is truly remarkable, and greatly appreciated. We are indeed blessed to have such remarkable friends.