Alan W Collins will be right back, after these short messages…

This blog will be out of action for a week, whilst I take a much-needed holiday in the Turkish resort of Marmaris (pictured by night, left).

It is my first proper holiday for two years (and, indeed, I will land in Turkey two years to the day since I took off from Florida), and I am thoroughly looking forward to a relaxing week away from everything, especially trying to be the first to break local news!

I will, however, apologise to readers for being unable to keep you up-to-date with events in River Ward. However, my fingers will be on the pulse as per usual upon my return, and I hope that I will be ready to return to normality by Tuesday 20th July.

If not, I’m going to have a mighty fun day at work…

I am informed that locally-produced alcohol falls under the “all-inclusive” banner with which we (being myself and my?fianc?e) have booked, and have been told, though will not discover until I arrive, that there is a locally-produced Vodka available at some hotels.

After all, let’s face it, we all enjoy a nice drink now and again…