I have been following the fortunes of the club on the website. It is great to see the pictures too. I get a homesick type feeling whenever I look at the site. I noticed that none of the lads have gotten any prettier, especially Spokesy! Give them all a big G’day from me, particularly Kev Smith, Clunny and Hicksy.

You have asked all the right questions. Ellen is pregnant again. She is 29 weeks gone and is moving ‘gracefully’ around the house. She hasn’t enjoyed this pregnancy nearly as much as the last one. I have to remind her that she is not travelling around Italy or lazing in the sun in Queensland, instead chasing after a kid who only stops to eat something. Number 2 is due on the 20th of January. This really means that our Christmas holidays will be spent at home. It is a shame as I get 8 weeks school holidays. Gotta like the private schools?!? I am still teaching, as you can ascertain. I am teaching 7/8 year olds this year. While I am enjoying teaching the younger age group, I am still looking for a new challenge, much like when I was in the UK.

We are living in Canberra now. Home of the ACT Brumbies. It is a very easy city to move around in. One of those great places to ‘bring up a family’. We bought a house about a year ago. It stands on 935 square metres so we have a great block for kids to run around. Our address is (see Taff for address - ADMIN)

Unfortunately, I have not really played since getting back from the UK. I really miss playing but can’t afford to give the time to training that I would need to. I played cricket last season in a very social comp, enjoyed that but have only played 2 out of 6 this season so far. I am thinking about giving the cricket away. This may possibly allow me the ‘permission’ I need to play again. I have just started playing in a touch footy comp however. Touch footy is a hybrid of rugby league and is fast with the only real difference being no tackling or kicking. You’ll be happy to know that I am playing in the playmaking role, putting the other fellas through gaps, being first receiver of the ruck and what not, so I am keeping me skill level up for when I come back to the ‘Bourne.

Cheers,

Andy

p.s. Ellen said I’m available this weekend, but for a price. When will the women folk understand?