What I think actually happens is this: his books are overlooked because people take excellence for granted, and after the Hugo or whatever has gone to someone else, they kick themselves all round the room for not voting for him.

But the writing is only one side of Sheckley, and for a long time it was the only side I knew. Then, in 1975 -- fifteen years after I read some stories in a book and thought they were the first chapters of a novel -- I met Bob for the first time. Now I'm proud to say he's become a friend.

This is what he is like: he is gentle and genial, and very shy. If you want to meet Bob at this convention, the best place to look is behind pillars or under sofas. Then you'll see a craggy smile and crinkly eyes peering amiably towards you, and you will have found our Guest of Honour.

This convention is the first ever in Britain or America to honour him in this way. Not, if I may say so, before time. After enjoying some of the most inventive, witty and original science fiction for a quarter of a century, let's give a loud and hearty cheer for that!