On Thursday, February 5, Bill is back in London and used the day to download emails and send stuff off to friends and business people – and Bill caught up with the latest on the cricket. Bill also did a TV appearance (it was previously recorded) on ITV for the Piers Morgan on Monte Carlo programme, which featured Bill and his Wyman Shoots photo exhibition, along with Prince Albert.

The next day, Bill meet with Ripple to discuss future Rhythm Kings shows and tours in more detail – and we’ll bring you news on any Rhythm Kings events as soon as we get them. With the discussions over, Bill headed off to Gedding, arriving late at night and discovering that the moat had fully frozen over.

Saturday was sent quietly – thick, icy snow on the grounds meant that it wasn’t pleasant outside, so Bill sorted through his guitar collection and chose an orange Fender Mustang bass from 1969/70 to take back to London for loan to the O2 Arena rock exhibition. Bill then spent the rest of the day, and the following day, immersed in old magazines, unearthing references to Gedding, and viewing the occasional football match on TV.

With two days spent taking timeout, Bill headed back to London in the afternoon on Monday, February 9. Finally unpacked, Tony Pancio arrived and Tony, Suzanne and Bill went by taxi in the evening to The Great Room at the Grosvenor House to attend the TPI Awards 2009. Live music was performed by a band called Trio Valore, who Bill said were great, with their performance reminding him of Booker T & The MGs. Bill gave a short speech on stage during the evening, before handing out an award to Claude Nobs.

The next day, and Bill was back working on his book project and layout, continuing throughout the day.