Well, the boffins have finally done it, writes blogger Andrew Owen. Although to be honest I’ve quite forgotten what it is they’ve done.

Perhaps a quick look at the newspaper will help me. Ah yes: according to our friends in the national news, scientists have developed a drug which “appears to erase painful memories”. And apparently it’s got nothing to do with downing a few bottles of Old Speckled Hen.

The implications of this new drug are quite amazing. People suffering from traumas or stress, or painful memories, could simply take a pill as part of their recovery. It would take away the need to undergo expensive and lengthy courses of therapy; just take a pill and all will be much better.

However, as with everything in life, it’s not as straightforward as it seems. Human beings, as a rule, learn from their mistakes. If you cannot remember making the mistake, how are you going to learn not to repeat it?

Also, as one far more learned than myself points out, “removing bad memories is not like removing a wart or a mole. It will change our personal identity since who we are is linked to our memories.”

Still, it got us thinking. Assuming we could erase memories at will, which memories would we choose to erase? In my case I think I could rub along quite well without the memory of singing a Shakin’ Stevens song to a packed theatre one childhood holiday in Colwyn Bay.

I was only about eight, but the sheer horror of the event still lingers. Gary Wilmott was in the show; he could probably do with forgetting it as well.

So, I’ve told you one of mine. Now it’s your turn. You can post any memories you’d like to wipe from your mind in the comment box below. We cannot permanently erase them, but just think of it as a cut-price therapy session. Be honest and share your traumas with the group. We’re all friends together.

Anyway, what was I talking about again? Blimey, those pills are very moreish…