The UK news is dominated this weekend by the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations, which, to judge by the TV coverage of today's [sponsor's name I refuse to mention] Epsom Derby, is in danger of being subsumed beneath crass and unsubtle advertising. Queen Victoria would not have been amused.
That being the case, I think it's time I banged the drum for my 'home' writers' group,
Verulam Writers' Circle, which is approaching its own 60th anniversary very soon.
Despite today's tacky, un-British showing, we Brits have many reasons to remain proud of the United Kingdom. I consider myself fortunate to have been born an Englishman, so I am a lucky man indeed to be a member of Verulam Writers' Circle too.
In case you're wondering what I'm so enthusiastic about, please have a little taster from the latest edition of the excellent
Verulam Writers' Circle newsletter, Veracity.
Here's wishing friends in the UK and worldwide a relaxing and memorable weekend. Do watch the river pageant, the concert and the parades if you are able to, wherever you may be. If you can attend the live events - well, lucky you. They should be truly spectacular, and, I sincerely hope, less tainted by commercial bad taste than was the Epsom Derby.
If, as was the case with most of my family, you have not a clue what to make of my tale, this free Ray Bradbury classic story might give you hint. Beware, though, reading this could be the start of a lifelong Bradbury addiction. And, if you didn't already know, you'll learn the source of an expression you've heard many, many, times and almost certainly quoted yourself.
It's been a long time since I inflicted one of my Oscar's Oscars on some poor unsuspecting individual, but I feel a presentation coming on right now because this guy and his work are uniquely deserving of a good Hi Fiving.
In case you're a returning deep space traveller and have some excuse for remaining unaware of the full, and lasting, significance of Calum's project, you can read a summing up in his own words, here. 
