Yes, that’s me reading poetry at the Appetite coffee bar in Colchester last night, in aid of Lepra. I did a double act alternating with Rupert (also pictured), and Dot did one of the poems with me. It was organised by Jason McLean and was a bit of a shot in the dark as far as I was concerned. I’m still not sure why he picked on us, because I don’t think it was anything to do with InPrint.

Anyway, it was brilliant. We went by train, it was freezing cold, and there was a walk/climb of over a mile to the cafe, which is in a dark back street. But Jason was very welcoming and bought us some wine. We were on first – nearly half an hour late after Jason postponed the start in the hope of getting more people in. Still there were quite a few, and we seemed to go over well. We both enjoyed doing it very much and want to read together as a duo again. We contrast quite well, I think. Gave me quite a lift.

On the train there we talked about Rupert’s YouTube video, which I think is pretty good. I like the idea of doing something similar with Lucy, but she may have to wait until her Paston project is over. We had discussed it in the past but never got round to it. Dot also gave me some ideas for my embryonic novel; so a good day all round, though I had trouble with my car insurance earlier. One company seem to think I cancelled it last year; another wants evidence of my no claims bonus, which wasn’t there because the first company thought my policy had been cancelled. I have all the paperwork, but it’s hard to convince anyone over the phone.

My cousin Ann has replied to my letter, and I’ve added a few details to my family tree as a result of that and a bit of digging, during which I discovered that my aunt Mary’s first name was not Mary but Abi. Puts her in a completely different light!

Not so good today. The weather is beautifully sunny, but at present Norwich City are losing 3-0 to Leicester. Tonight we go to the Robinsons for a meal, which should be fun.