Hi Pete -

I just saw Packie two weeks ago - we drove north and had a nice few days sitting in his kitchen drinking toddies and swapping memories. He's somewhat physically frailer now and looks a bit (not a lot) older, but he's still his same twinkly self. We went into the village with him (a fairly rare occurrence these days: he mostly stays at home) and every 10 feet or so, someone stopped us to greet "Packie Manus". It took ages to get down the street! I told him to be sure to come to all our 90th birthdays, only half in jest.

I will certainly pass on your & Rosie's best to him when we next speak, which he'll be delighted to hear. We both remember The Hat with great fondness. Glad to read that all is well.

B xxx