Speaking of ideas (no, we were, Amy was saying about one she had a couple of posts ago, and she used loads of brackets just like these), I had one earlier. There should be an Automated Voice Of The Year award, presented to the lady or gentleman whose pre-recorded announcements are voted the best in the UK.

Off the top of my head, a few contestants might be:

1. First Great Western Man, now sadly in decline at FGW stations but alive and well, I'm delighted to say, at stations served by Southern. Always sounds like he has a full head of dark hair, shiny teeth, good skin for his age and a decent education. Could do a better job of sounding sincere about delays. "Please do not leave unattended articles anywhere on the station", or, my current favourite, delivered with impeccable gravitas, "Streatham Common, this is Streatham Common".

2. Cockney Tube Man, who extols the virtues of the Oyster Card in his best London accent at tube stations across the network. "Oyster. It's faster, cheaper and smarter." Yes, Guv'nor.

3. Vodafone Lady, the stone-cold bitch who grudgingly reveals information about how many voicemail messages you have. "You have *spits* one new message. F*ckwit."

4. Southern On-Board Lady, who takes over from FGW Man once you're safely on the train and moving. Has an uncanny knack of syncing her delivery of forthcoming station stops with the scrolling displays inside the train showing the same information, so that she hits every syllable the moment it scrolls into view. "This is a Southern service for Epsom Downs, calling at Battersea Park, Clapham Junction, Wandsworth Common...".

There must be many more across Britain whose talents are going unrecognised (wouldn't you love to meet one of the people who lend their vocal talents to this and watch them in action?). The only entry requirement is that their announcements must be pre-recorded - no live material is allowed. Over to you for your nominations.