Jamie meets a nice South African

A nice treat for Jamie this morning when he received his first visit from a South African.

Vanessa and I first met Jan and her husband Matt (who unfortunately wasn't able to make it today) some years ago when they ran The Springbok bar in Leeds.

They've since moved to Egham, near Ali G's home in Staines, where they now run another hostelry. We haven't seen them for ages but, in the intervening period, they've produced two lovely kids, Lauren and Tommy, who also came along today, together with Auntie Vicky who you've met before and is playing host in Bradford. The picture shows them all together, with Jan on the right.

Earlier, I was up with the lark to see Coleraine Inst Old Boy, Great Britain rowing star and absolute class act Alan Campbell (right) win his Olympic single sculls heat in Beijing.

My sister is very friendly with Alan's formidable mum Jenny and dad William, both of whom I've had the great pleasure of meeting.

Everything's crossed for him between now and next Saturday's final.