Fingers Crossed.

[Roger Kettle]

Ditto my congratulations to the young McGookin---it's been a hectic few days for the offspring of the Beau Peep board members.

[The Peepmaster]

Can I just say congratulations to Diane's son, and to Diane, and also to Roger for having a son who's done so well, and also to Roger's son, and to Malcolm's son also, and of course to Malcolm. Also to Tarquin for having seen those bands and singers, and for getting the ticket. Congratulations to Robbie Williams for topping the bill. Who've I left out?

[Colin]

erm.. me. But I've not done anything of note recently, so I'm not bothered  :'(

[Roger Kettle]

And, Nige, I'd just like to thank you for...being you. Sniff.
How come you're not at the Shrewsbury cartoon festival? Did you say something about going to the Far East soon?

[The Peepmaster]

And, Nige, I'd just like to thank you for...being you. Sniff.
How come you're not at the Shrewsbury cartoon festival? Did you say something about going to the Far East soon?

Yes - it was either Shrewsbury, or the Far East. I've been to Shrewsbury many times, and did the cartoon festival the first year. Been really busy with having to draw 24 cartoons today for one of my biggest clients, so couldn't have gone if I'd wanted to.

Hopefully I'll be in the Philippines in June/July. I'll be taking my laptop so I'll be keeping in touch!

[Roger Kettle]

Sounds great, Nige. Any particular reason for the trip? Is it one of your birds?

[The Peepmaster]

Yeah. You guessed. There's a babe on the island who's been lucky enough to be dating me for the past 6 months. She adores me, as you'd expect, and is quite a lot younger so she's got a few good years in her before she's obsolete. I quite like her too. She's been on the island about 9 years, having moved from Dubai. She's got a house in the Philipines and we're going to go and check it because she thinks she might have left the tap running.

She's seen far more of the world than I have, and, like me, has never seen Dundee Utd live.

[Roger Kettle]

The number of people who claim to be world-wise and yet have never watched Dundee United!
This sounds like one hell of a journey, Nige. How do you actually get there?

[Tarquin Thunderthighs lll]

I've seen Dundee United live many times. I've also just got back from Shrewsbury after day 1, and will be heading back for Day 2 in about 7 hours. It's all going swimmingly so far, and we've toasted absent friends...several times...though mine was alcohol-free Becks (only just discovered its existence tonight) 'cos I was driving.

No punch-ups yet. Will report more tomorrow night perhaps.

Tarquin Thunderthighs III for News at Almost One,
Not in Shrewsbury for now.

[The Peepmaster]

We fly, Roger. Apparently it's a lot faster than walking.

[Roger Kettle]

Most amusing, young man. I meant which route and how many flights.

[Malc]

Referring to the young lady as your laptop is quite derogatory, in my opinion.

[Malc]

Oh, and I reckon if young McGookin had the choice, he'd trade any local league final for a chance to play at Hampden.

[The Peepmaster]

Most amusing, young man. I meant which route and how many flights.

Sorry, Roger - I didn't know at the time, but I do now having made the bookings online tonight. Its simply a flight each way via Hong Kong - BA then Cathay Pacific, vice versa returning. Quite straightforward too - flying during the night both ways and the Hong Kong stop-over is only 3 hours going there, and 1 hour returning. I'll give you the ticket numbers when I have them confirmed.