From Aldenham to Cape Town thanks to Sky+

The Faces of Stradey Park - the world's greatest book about rugby union - has now made it into the window display of Killay Newsagents. I noticed it on the way past to pick up today's Observer and a handful of delectable pink grapefruits, the breakfast of choice here this summer (along with passion fruits when they're a decent price at Lidl). Thanks go to the friendly shop assistants for their thoughtful approach to plugging it at a topical time for rugby.
I caught up with the SkyPlused Lions today - that tight but welcome win against Western Province. As they were getting soggy in Cape Town yesterday I was on the way back from Aldenham, Hertfordshire, with Terry Morris, my photographer pal. We'd been to meet John Williams, a splendid South Shields exile who's now one of the UK's finest chefs.
He's top man in the kitchens at The Ritz and he was photographed by Terry and interviewed by me at his home as we begin to create a great new UK-wide portrait collection for the very worthy Academy of Culinary Arts.

Thanks, British Lions

The record of three wins in three hides a few concerns for Ian McGeechan, Stephen Jones, Matthew Rees and co. But it's no time for pessimism (the England 20 Twenty cricket XI are monopolising that field).
Indeed, there's a splendid reason for Lions-related optimism, albeit a reason based on selfishness - yes, the South African tour has triggered interest from bookshops in the fine rugby tome Faces of Stradey Park. I know because I'm the author.
To date it's been sold exclusively through Scarlets outlets but now it's been picked up by multi-national bookseller Borders. I was equally chuffed to see it in Killay News, my local newsagent deep in the heart of Ospreys country.
The book's done well in the Scarlets heartland and it'll be given another boost this October when the first anniversary of the momentous move from Stradey occurs.
If you know of any sports loving booksellers who'd like to stock the Faces of Stradey Park, give me a shout!