Hi John. - and Mystic Meg said it was going to be a tanned Australian wearing shorts that would bring me luck. I hope a tanned Welshman in shorts will have the same effect.

Nice of you to drop in. Were your ears burning? I was thinking of coming to St Albans tonight, then realised I had the wrong week.

My Dad's OK thanks - I'll be down there again soon.

'Striking up conversations is a challenge' . That's a surprise. Feel free to use the Barton Thread for inspiration. We strike up conversations here most days, ranging from 'how to rinse out your thongs in a camper van' to 'Stevenage won at Wembley last Saturday'