To all those who have emailed me with concern for my safety with regard to the horrific fires in Victoria, I say a heartfelt Thank You.

I am 3000 miles or so north of the fires, and my son is 500 miles away, so we are not directly affected. However, along with the rest of the country, we are shocked at the level of devastation that has occurred, and we grieve for our countrymen who have suffered such terrible losses of life and property.

Your kind thoughts would also be appreciated for those affected by serious floods which are at present covering 60% of the large state of Queensland, up north.