I think I speak for all of Ginkgo Music’s volunteers and contributing artists when I say that we were profoundly moved and excited by Barack Obama’s election victory last night. For many reasons.

I read in a UK newspaper last week that he intends to create 5 million new jobs in the green sector, and wean the US from its dependence on fossil fuel. I’m not religious - but if I were I’d say (with an apology to Mr. Dawkins): “Thank God”.

Perhaps under Obama the USA will now take leadership in calling an end to our war on nature, and establish sound environmental management of this rare and beautiful planet, that we may continue to share it with the millions of other species of plant and animal who have survived and arrive with us at this moment of renewed hope.

I’m writing to you whilst drinking coffee in a cafe in Canterbury - thumbs up to Boho Cafe, the very lovely people here very kindly provided me with the caffeine I needed after managing to slumber my way straight past the sign on the door that clearly said Closed.

So now I’ve woken up a bit, I thought I’d write to let you know what’s going on with the orchestrations for the upcoming CD release. In fact, I’m having a bit of a frustrating time of it - I’d really love to be fully immersed in the project; I love the music and feel very connected to why we’re producing this CD. Since I last wrote to you though, I’ve started a new job and it’s very full on.

I recently met with our producer, Peter. We listened to some of the tracks he’s recorded so far and some ideas we’ve both had for string sounds to complement the vocals and guitar. Valentin’s track is nearly finished now and Peter’s made a first draft of the strings for David McAlmont’s song. Peter and I agreed that it’s important not just to write string parts that sound lovely but also that match the structure of the song and ride its contours.

Won’t be long before we’re organising the recording session for the orchestra - I’ll write again then!