Our songwriting class with Chris Difford (copyright Brew Mbirika)

I just met the most wonderful group of friends and musicians at the Premises Music Education programme. Over 5 days we learned new songwriting techniques taught and facilitated by the lovely Helen Reddington (aka Helen McCookerybook from the punk band the Chefs) and her partner Martin Stephenson of the Daintees. We had a masterclass given by Chris Difford of Squeeze and an insight into the commercial side by Paulette Long deputy chair of the Performing Rights Society.

When we lived in the States we regularly snacked on blue corn tortilla chips and Mexican smoked chipotle salsa. Since moving back to the UK we’ve paid a fortune and bought the imported stuff at Wholefoods. Recently I noticed Marks & Spencer were selling “authentic” tortilla chips. I picked up two jars of their Smokey Chipotle salsa. Uuurgh. It’s honestly like dipping chips in a strange jam – there is so much sugar in it. When I looked at the label more closely I see sugar is the first ingredient. So much for a spicy savoury snack. I sent a complaint on the M&S feedback form. Seems I’m not the experience Chile Foundary review

Yes, Lynette and I are celebrating 23 years together. I took her to Vanilla Black which is a lovely vegetarian restaurant in the Inns of Court, Chancery Lane area. The menu is a little like what Aubrey in Life is Sweet was trying to do, except Vanilla Black manages to succeed. So for example, a starter was granola, beetroot and coriander. It was delicious. But just for the memory…here’s Aubrey.