Missing out

Typical. I have a Board Meeting in London on the very day that the 'vin primeur' is released and the 'Fete du Vin' takes place in Carcassonne. The 'Fete' is a great event - twenty to thirty local wine producers set up camp around the square for four days and everyone is invited to try and buy the wine, local bandas wander around all day jollying everyone up with music and there is live music on the stage each evening. Last year they coloured the water in the fountain a lovely shade of red and planted vines all around it in a temporary bed.

This year they plan to put up a giant screen in the square on Saturday night to show the final of the Rugby World Cup - but I wouldn't be surprised if someone put a phone call in last Sunday to cancel it now that France are out - they're not very good losers down in rugby country, especially when England are the winners.

Thankfully, I return on Sunday and will catch the end of the 'Fete' and the final concert on Sunday evening. Then on Monday the Polish plasterers start which should be interesting because of their lack of English.

The rumour on the streets is that the Irish bar was shut down by the tax authorities for non payment, which doesn't surprise anyone at all. Everyone is hoping that somebody else will take over the lease.

In the meantime I am London where it definitely feels like Autumn has arrived - lovely sunny weather but cold, especially after Turkey.