Chickwatch was pioneered by Cap'n'Ella at the Pigs Ear Folk Ale a couple of years ago. It involved having two tiny newly hatched chicks (baby hens, right?) in an incubator in the Cap'n'Ella caravan because they (the chicks, not Cap'n'Ella) were too small to be left at home and at least the first third of every performance of theirs (Cap'n'Ella, not the chicks) being taken up with a running bulletin on the state of these fragile mites who, as they grew, would, by daily egg production, add so much to the quality of life in Iwade.

And it's called "Iwade" because at high tide, everyone does.

And now back to Vanwatch. A manufacturer of batteries tells me that the basic chargers in vans don't cycle the charging rates well enough nor, basically, stuff enough spare electrons in, to get a leisure battery fully up to charge. They also told me that the battery pack and charger in my van (the electrics are a "Topsy") belongs on the antiques road show. So I've run the battery down a bit, topped it up a bit with distilled water, and put it abck on for a good wellying. We shall see.

Do not, repeat do not, buy leisure batteries from Camping International. I have the credit card statement showing the battery purchase and can get a duplicate credit card voucher ditto. The purchase was under 2 years ago and the battery has a 2 years guarantee. They refuse to replace because I haven't got the actual shop receipt. I am considering the small claims court....