..I have had the pleasure of taking Smiling Greg to a number of places over the past couple of weeks.

I have to say it way really a pleasure, and in many respects quite humbling, to accompany Greg to a number of places - we have visited my local casino, a number of sites both here in Colchester where I live (England's oldest recorded town, with Roman beginnings), a number of sites in London including meeting one of London's last official town criers (or so he told me ), a football match and so on.

In many respects I wonder how it would have been if I could have done this with Greg himself. One of my pics is shown below, and a number will be sent now to Andy for inclusion in Greg's tour of the world - if anyone hasn't visited Andy's site and seen the pictures so far then they should.

My only regret is having to send Greg on - I know the Smiling Gregs were a limited edition, and I doubt that anyone would want to part with theirs, but if anyone ever does, then please let me know. I'm not a personal chip collector, but would really love to have one of these chips to sit on my desk as a reminder of the contributions Greg, and others who unfortunately pass away, have made to this wonderful hobby of ours.

Anyway, Greg will be on his way next week to Jim Follis - Jim, I will be sending Greg via international signed-for airmail service to ensure his safe passage, so it may be a couple of days as I will need to go to the post office for that service. I hope you enjoy the experience as much as I did.

Greg....you will be in our thoughts always.

Jason