I took a week in August and went to songwriting summer school. I learnt a ton of stuff about how to craft a lyric and melody and, although it may sound strange to say it, I finally got permission to write songs. I met Boo Hewerdine, Andy White, Iain Archer (ex-Snow Patrol) and the mighty Richard Parfitt (who used to be the frontman of 60 Foot Dolls) and I got a serious insight into how the job of songwriting is really done. You can read the full story in today's Sunday Times.

What I discovered was that songwriting is about application and technique not sitting around waiting for inspiration to strike. But the funny thing is this discovery in itself proved to be pretty inspirational, and spending a week in that kind of company sent the motivation meter off the scale.

After our tour of northern England, with Justin Hildreth sitting in on drums - for which many thanks, amigo - the Trio has regrouped with the mighty Jack Sinclair on drums. Jack is an amazing player and always a pleasure to have around. Our recent gigs with him in Hertford (pic by Marilyn Kingwill), Whitstable, Liverpool and here in London have been some of the best we've ever played. Not only that, he has sent the average age of the Trio plummeting. I'm proud to have him installed in the ranks and the band now sounds better than ever.

So we're rolling onwards. Next is our annual gig at Wilton's Music Hall with the Rollin' Stoned on October 30, where we'll have some new songs to play. Amazing venue, and a great night for sure. Come along and check it out.