That made me howl, Andy, as it is stage I and 2 of the 'Harmonzing the Single European Language' email that did the rounds a couple of years ago.

Wilfried, you were missed. I hope you have a Hohner accordion in the band. They are ideal for stamping up and down parade grounds.

Just a brief update. I have sown the seed for our next Eurogathering with my friends in Cassano D'Adda, east of Milan, and the guarded response wasn't negative, so hopefully it'll be a runner. If it runs, Bergamo Airport is the closest, or Venice if you are coming on the Orient Express.

Fingers crossed!