I was sneaking about in Counsel's garage the other day (I heard he'd been to the auctions and come back with something unusual) but at a glance, couldn't find anything out of the ordinary except, hang on, what's going on here?

A 4-seat MGB Roadster! There's about 6" added to both the doors and the panels in front of the rear wheels and, just like my Austin, the lengthened wheel base has reportedly smoothed out the ride considerably. I stood back and looked to see if anything was 'wrong' with the lines but I couldn't fault it - with the roof down. I understand that the roof would benefit from some re-styling or perhaps best not mentioned at all. For further reading there's a discussion of Befour Conversions Ltd at www.mgexp.com and the original sales literature is reproduced.

And this I couldn't resist. I was in an antique shop on the way home from servicing a digger up in Norfolk and this etain (pewter) and glass decanter hit the spot. Some of the duck decanters are more obviously a duck but if you're unfamiliar with this sort of thing (as I am) it took a second glance to get the joke. I haven't put anything in it yet as there's some sort of - well, I'm not quite sure what it is but it looks a bit life-threatening - something lurking in the bottom of the glass. It's probably just a bit of mildew but better safe than being violently indisposed.

The last time I tried to play chess was in the Chess Club at school. I think I must have been about 13 and all I can remember is that I didn't stay the distance and lasted probably only half of the first term. I couldn't grasp the strategy bit and have never since been much good with draughts either. But, as I'm not yet an old dog, new tricks are an option and over Christmas at Big Sister's, I was given a refresher course by a young Chinese girl, Shi Yao, only a year older than I was when I first encountered the game. I thoroughly enjoyed our match stretching as it did over two days and resulting (probably more by luck than any judgement of mine) in a draw.

And then to Hastings for an excellent lunch in a Turkish restaurant (the Isabella) with ex-college chums before driving back to Norwich for a family party and then home to continue work on my secret projects. The next outing will be the local VSCC on New Year's Day. I had to do a double take at the Hillman's diary as I saw that I hadn't been out in it since 5th December - the longest period of inaction since its records began.

A very Happy and Prosperous 2016 to everyone who's been kind enough to read, comment and enjoy 'A Special Builder's Notes'. Come the New Year I'm looking forward to getting back on track with the Riley racing car - watch this space.