I really should get around to putting a few more of my terrible articles on here. Part II of the Metal Stone Age piece has been sat on my desktop, looking wan, near-finished, yet neglected for light years now. In my defence this time of year is always fearsomely busy for me, and this year was no exception. Top that with having to move onto a new PC, as my old one threatened messy suicide, with a new OS (Windows 8, I hate you) and I think a little chaos was to be expected. And the dog ate it…

Anyhow, can’t get too much done now as I’m off PDQ on my annual pilgrimage to the awesome Abertoir horror fest in Wales. They’re celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of the infamous Video Nasties Act, so expect plenty of 80s-themed depravity. I’ll be there as usual, giving one of my infamous talks, on Wednesday afternoon. I’m hoping to give a little context – a history of media panics and censorship – in an address that will be bursting with wit and wisdom… or wrongness. Mostly wrongness. However, don’t let me put you off. After all, where else can you get a limited edition horror beer, distinguished by the image of Gizmo the gremlin watching Cannibal Holocaust?

If you come along and see me, say hello. I might even buy you a beer…