Less than two weeks before the tango mango. I will reach a target of becoming a QE before setting off for Devon. The journey should follow a pleasantly full day after two services at Southwell, sherry at the Dean's Residence and lunch at the Bramley Apple. The music, however, could be the principal feast; it is almost entirely 'Renaissance' with Tallis, Morley, Tomkins, Lassus and Palestrina. There is a gorgeous Bach anthem, though, in Evensong.

Dominic Sandbrook is a wonderful writer. Thanks, Marek and Sabina for introducing me. Half an hour ago I finished 'White Heat'. It is such a revealing view of the sixties. Strange how a man born in the 70s can tell me more than I ever knew about the decade through which I lived and he did not. Such is the historian's art. Even his football descriptions were gripping, for me who never reads the football pages and has only once attended a league match.

Before I depart for Devon I shall have had at least three days visiting local small shops with Tony's questionnaire on energy and telecoms use; even if I make no sales I should at least have increased my knowhow and practised my presentation.