[Gregory Dowling]

Yes, it was great to see Alex suitably honoured - and it was also great to meet him at last and spend some time with him. Alex, I hope you enjoyed the dancing evening, as I didn't get to see you the next morning to hear about it.

It was good, as ever, to re-encounter so many Spherians and to meet others for the first time - including Catherine, of course. I think I bumped into most people - except Bill, for some reason. I can at least reassure you, Bill, that sitting at the front of the auditorium for the Able Muse event I wasn't aware of any child-produced commotion at any point.

Enjoyable events by the poolside in the evening as well, including a remarkable performance by a poet who managed to keep a glass of wine upright while swimming across the pool fully dressed. A feat no free-verse could ever manage, I'm sure...