JJ Aaahhh....!

JJ Congratulations. I'm quite sure you will be the absolute model citizen.

G I'm sorry but the bars have to go. At the end of the Scout's meeting, I was unexpectedly asked to go to the front of the hall whereupon my new status was announced to cheering, hoopin' and hollerin'. Everyone shook my hand and welcomed me on board in a totally unexpected show of genuine warmth and affection. I was quite overcome but thoroughly enjoyed what was the highlight of what had already been a memorable day.

m I do like the magazine title though, '442'

m I have to confess a sort of fascination for Sir Alex (as I prefer to call him); his impenetrable accent, his exceptional longevity in the world of soccer. I didn't care for Albert Reynolds much, but I once found myself seated beside him at a dinner and had quite an interesting conversation with him about John Major, Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness.

m Well done Giles. How did it feel playing the role of citizen? Do you now have a flagpole and US flag in your garden? Will you swap that old Triumph autocycle for a proper American device, or at least give the handlebars a stay of execution?

m Presumably involved calculators being pulled out to ensure that no financial injustice resulted.

m I'm with the subjectivists on this one. Butterflies and dragonflies are 'beautiful' to most people; mice and rats are not. Yet they are exquisitely made mammals with most of the capacities we have; we just grow up knowing that they are 'horrible'.

m There is a strange need for outdoor clothing that musicians seem to feel. The gent on the bass looks more suitably attired for Wolverhampton races than being in a band. The again, our own greatly revered Bono does much the same with eyewear.

m I remember your earlier feature on Harald when you had an enjoyable outing. Sorry to hear about his passing.

m Yes. The same blokes have robbed a load of copper wire in Ambridge, so the village is in a proper state. Fortunately Jim is at hand and has helped reassure some of the old folks and helped them get over their phobias about mobile phones.

m Please note that the beverages are not only hand-crafted, but delicious as well

m`` I see from EssentiallyEngland.com that there is enough camouflage with mustard and worcrstershire sauce to neutralise much of the ammonia.

m My brother had a 2 CV. It was a dreadful car. My father referred to variously as 'the pram' or the 'sewing machine'. JJ may remember having a rather helter-skelter ride in it after a session in the Warrenstown Arms.

m I have fond memories of my only visit to Digbeth. I accompanied George Robinson on his 21st birthday to a reggae gig (no-one else seemed to want to go out with him). We were the only two honkies at the gig and the phrase 'you want someting for de maine streem' has gone into the annals. This was a drug dealer who approached us with a Man U bag full of assorted merchandise.