We interrupt this broadcast...

...with news that Ruby_in_Bury is leaving Bury for York.

Most readers will have already seen the shock announcement on Ruby's blog yesterday. Those who don't know of Ruby will not be aware of the disturbance to the equilibrium this means or indeed the shockwaves that reach out as far as America.

By blogging about Bury St Edmunds, Ruby has forced the town to get to know itself, get over itself and come to terms with itself...even laugh at itself on times.

Her blog has been a shining light and has offered a hostel to all those who may love Bury St Edmunds but have felt lost in some of its quirky ways. It has been an antidote to many aspects of town life and I will miss it so much.

But not as much as I will miss Ruby herself and our fun meetings in the Angel, listening to the goings-on of home improvement salesmen, ladies sipping tea and more recently a member of the landed gentry on a recruitment drive.

Someone who started out as a stranger has become a real friend. It was Ruby who first inspired me to blog and who has given me the confidence to engage in some of my mad adventures.

So good luck to Ruby and family and to Mr Ruby too. I wish them all happiness and success in their new lives.

And in the meantime, tomorrow I will be on a great adventure with Ruby in London for an early celebration of my 40th birthday.

And as well as birthdays, we'll be raising more than a glass or two in honour of Living in Bury St Edmunds...or indeed York.