An explanation is due for my dilatory approach to ASOPA PEOPLE of late. I've been disporting myself at Noosa in a vain attempt to meet the rich and famous and have not been receiving any information that may interest this blog. Which is your fault entirely.

Later this week, Ingrid and I are travelling to Tamworth for the (yeehaw!) Country Music Festival. There we'll meet up with Joe and Kathryn Crainean, who will provide the elementary courses in yodelling and spur clicking so necessary for a full appreciation of this event.

In the sixties and seventies - and, for all I know, still - country music was vastly popular in Papua New Guinea. Slim Dusty was a national hero. The Radio Bougainville top ten hit parade was chockers with country songs. Hank Williams' Your Cheatin' Heart stayed at number one for a whole year: "But sleep won't come the whole night through / Your cheatin' heart will tell on you".

Time for a reprise.