**sniff sniff**

Thursday 14th July, t'was a dark day.

The sun may have been burning brightly outside but inside, in our hearts, it was torrential rain.

The team was leaving.

Many around the world remember the day the Beatles split up, it sent shockwaves around the globe. We like to think that the dissolving of the ECM Ireland summer team to Prishtina had a similar impact.

Elaine, Joanne, Jillers & Carlena left us. Jillers tried to extend her stay with some dubious items in her hand luggage that led the security staff at Prishtina airport to believe that she had evil intentions. (Anyone who knows Jillers would realise she is no evil villain attempting to take over the world, unless they've been stuck in a lift with her - then her dark side comes out).

So that left Tim, Karen & Lucy.

Kosova wept.

Tim comfort eating through the pain of separation.