Hi Bernard,

I’m sure that from your time in and around the UK that you know the BBC programme ‘Antiques Roadshow’.

In tonights’s episode a lady with family links to General Baird brought along a very fine diamond brooch ‘liberated’ at Seringpatam in 1799.We both know of a former British soldier who was there in the early days of his military career. Mr.Sharpe and yourself might be interested to know that it was valued at £30,000.

You spoil us readers something rotten by being so prolific with a new book every 12 months or so.They are always well worth waiting for and your quality and standards never slip.To keep up such a volume what’ your routine for writing your books.Also, what do you do to wind down.I’m aware of your interests in Amateur Dramatics and sailing but who or what do you read for pleasure.

Thanks again for all the reading pleasure you’ve given me and best wishes to you and yours

Keith