Hi,

I have a spare £75 ticket for DG at the Royal Albert Hall this coming Friday, 25/9. The page full of admission instructions means you’d have to arrive with me and The Boy, but I am sure it can be arranged.

Anyone desirous, please send me a message.

I’m not a huge fan of Lenny Henry, but I am currently watching him engage in real conversation with Van Morrison… In five minutes I can multi-task with Gary Moore does Hendrix and what looks like an excellent Later with that ex-Squeeze bloke. New David Gilmour earlier, followed by an “adequate” England rugby performance makes this pessimist think today is rather good.

How has your day been?

Today’s cricket between England and New Zealand was absolutely magnificent. I am beginning to feel a little man-love for Brendan McCullum, even more so as he took the time during his post-match interview to acknowledge one of this current era’s finest umpires on his last game.

However, this all pales into significance when contemplating that a friend of mine, who I have known for 35+ years was playing for my local cricket team on Monday evening and, having just made another 50 runs, collapsed and died of a heart attack whilst still batting. I wasn’t playing that evening, but other friends were, as well as a few youngsters, and considering how I feel at the moment, I can imagine what state they are in, let alone his lovely wife and 12 year old cricket-mad son.

As it happens, I am umpiring his/my old school first XI at the weekend. I have been asked to say a few words before a minute’s silence in advance of the game.

I know I should be addressing my more local community, but if I am not imposing too much, some “remote” thoughts would be appreciated, as it is clear that my fellow Afterworders seem » Continue Reading.

Mrs Biggles and I are off to Vietnam at the weekend. We’re taking in Hanoi, Hue and Ho-Chi Min.

We are also spending some time in the Mekong Delta – not quite in malaria territory (hopefully!).

Is it worth looking out for Burt? Is there anyone else we may come across from these parts? Anything to be included on our tour itinerary that is deemed essential?

Thank you.

One loves live entertainment – whether that be music gigs, theatre, stand-up, The Arsenal or poetry. However, in recent years my attendance at the same seems to diminish. With The Boy now working in London and The Princess studying in Edinburgh, if I see something “great”, I will encourage (i.e. maybe pay for) them to go see.

Recent(ish) things include The Unthanks, The Decemberists, an Ivor Cutler Celebration, Elvis Costello amongst others.

As many of us appear to be of a certain age, may I ask:

– am I wrong or am I right?

– what should I and/or my fellow Aterworders focus upon others to see on our behalf?

Thank you.