We were friends last time Lizzie, until you left me off your hug card.........

Seriously, the organisers continue to achieve the nearly impossible but will it be enough long term?

What is promised for 2006 is a lot less than Steve Heap offered and for about the same money. Evening Ham concerts are extra, and there is no International Arena to draw some of the high spending overseas visitors.

This is all taking place against the backdrop of the profits realised by Gordon Newton in 2005 - these are providing much of the 'up-front' funding for 2006. It's going to be a long road back to the splendour of 2004 - if ever.