Being on holiday, I missed the opportunity to interview one of our HBN members for the one minute interview; instead I found myself sitting next to the Huntingdon economy on the plane to Duesseldorf.

It was brooding over a model of Huntingdon on its Blackberry, despite the stewardess's disapproving look over the use of electronic equipment in-flight.

"So what's it saying?" I asked non-commitedly

"That my four star sandwich is turning into a stale in-flight roll!" it replied morosely.

"Hmm" I hmmed and took a sip of tea. "What are those bright spots?"

"B...y optimists" it snorted, "you should recognise that big one!"

I leaned over to get a better look and chuckled "Oh yes, HBN!"

It looked at me slyly "So how do you manage to beat the odds there?"

"We chat, share our sorrows, talk about things we'd like to do and Hey Presto! We generate our own opportunities" (I was a bit smug here, to be truthful).

Shrewd eyes held mine as it asked "Works every time, does it?"

"well, not all the time" I admitted bashfully "but eventually something works out."

"More chance of success than locking yourself away and navel gazing" it snorted and suddenly smiled.

"Seen the light then?" I quipped.

"Perhaps, but at least I can be insufferably positive when meeting the rest of the family Glums - that'll get them worried!" was the reply - and the hint of a grin stayed on its face in pleasant anticipation as it pulled out a book to read for the rest of the trip.

I sat back and put aside all thought of work in readiness for an enjoyable break.

Hoping you too had or will have an enjoyable Summer holiday! Chris