Miles is ten today. His ten year old desires include the Beano Manual 2002, a gold hoop in his left ear, a razor short hair cut, a “Stomp Rocket”, any Harry Potter merchandise, a proper grown-up wrist watch and a pair of “Ridiculous Flashing Glasses” with battery operated windscreen wipers. He has reached that age when the lure of the adult world contends with a continued desire for childish toys (and do we ever really grow out of it?).

His other wish is for a swimming party and this wish is being granted this afternoon. I spend all morning baking chocolate frogs and grilling sausages. Armed with box loads of food and drink (wine included, of course) we set off down the road to our island swimming pool.

The existence of a pool here gives testimony to the strong community spirit. It was opened in 1993, the culmination of less than three years of fund raising by a population of less than 600 people. Money came in from all over the world, residents dug deep into their own pockets and some pretty original fundraising events were enacted. Islanders, many of whom could not swim – on an island surrounded by icy seas this is hardly surprising – subsequently learnt and can now enjoy a sport whatever the weather. Children are encouraged to learn from an early age, with lots of extra sessions for school kids.

As well as the school swimming program and any private sessions, there are eight scheduled pool sessions per week. Each one requires the attendance of two lifeguards and a “keyholder” (someone to open up the Community Building, supervise proceedings and sell the inevitable crisps and sweeties). A group of committed volunteers fill these posts as well as attending ongoing lifeguarding and first aid training sessions. 

Miles is sharing his party with a girl in his class whose birthday falls on the same day. This arrangement has the great advantage that an even mix of boys and girls has been invited, without the embarrassment of a boy inviting a girl, or vice versa. The fifteen guests range in age from fourteen to four. With a school role of less than 80 – and that includes nursery, primary and secondary classes – all the children know each other. Indeed, as Primary Six consists of six girls plus Miles, his male friends are all in different years. 

Once in the pool the kids organise themselves into teams and play a series of frenetic ball games with much splashing, shouting, plunging on top of each other and general hilarity. They are not keen for us “Mums” to interfere with their fun so we retreat to the deep end, swim widths and chat. Our lifeguards today are a teacher and a nurse respectively – both well practised at exerting authority. The kids know they won’t get away with any bad behaviour. Afterwards there is just time to consume the mass of party food which we have assembled in the Community Hall, sing, blow out candles and demolish the Hogwart’s Castle cake (what else could it be, this year?) before it is time for everyone to go home. All in all a pretty stress free party and our house wasn’t trashed in the process.