Summer mirage

At last! The bag is flung in the corner, maths but a memory, project notes in there somewhere, the report released with a timing and spin that Jo Moore could only envy. Yes, the summer holidays are here, finally, in all their late-rising, idly mooching, heat-buzzed glory.

Or not. For these, now, are the days of motivation, ambition, and multiple diary co-ordination, best exemplified by our top working couple in 10 Downing Street. So, you there, up you get, ready for that intensive course which will push you further ahead or bring you up from behind. The most relaxing thing you can hope for is a five-day mixed-media workshop involving circus skills, or some work experience just off Wardour Street.

Only the hopelessly unreconstructed would spare a wistful thought for a bend in the river, a drowsy afternoon, a bit of stick and a bent nail.