Christmas spirit got me last Tuesday. I was at a fundraising lunch at Farrington Lodge, Leyland and after our meal the 'entertainment' was announced -- which turned out to be children from the local primary school.

I don't know how it is, but those small boys, with hair slicked back and full of their own importance, plus lovely little girls, all smiles and giggles had me and all those well-dressed, well-heeled women reaching for our hankies within seconds.

Whalley's fabulous Pickwick Night got me thinking that Christmas might not be so bad after all.

Everyone had made the effort and dressed up and it was a grand family evening.

I was so pleased the entire village, including the shops, rose to the occasion.

Following that I went on to the Thwaites Gala Evening at Hoghton Tower and was bowled over by the absolute splendour of the place and its feeling of history.

I could almost see those knights of old riding down that fabulous drive.

And that feeling for our past greatness made me want more than anything for us to get back on the right track.

Somebody said 'let the teachers, teach' and I would add let the police, police and also encourage families to look after their own children.

We should endeavour to bring back those values that made us the envy of the world.

You can't teach sex education by giving young folk contraceptives and you don't get the message about the dangers of drugs by opening a needle swap shop.

Folk need to understand that no means no and if you want things you should earn them.

We have made benefits and living on credit far too easy, which is sad for it brings worry and depression.

My mum always said 'if you have £100 in the bank, you can spend it mentally a hundred times,' but have it in your purse and you spend it only once.

I'm eating too much and too often -- great isn't it? Last year I decided to make an effort, to lose some weight, so I paid up, joined a gym, but only went twice.You know how it is!

This week I bumped into the owner and I asked her if she had a name for folk like me who join and never come again. "Oh yes," she said, "we call you the fat profit!"

This week I'm helping my friend Adrian to refurbish, re-open and return the White Bull in Blackburn to the prominent bar it once was, to try to get Church Street moving -- the car park end.

I remember when it was 'the place'. I went to Licensed Vic events there.

Then, Woollies and the Red Lion were across the way, and the public lavatories were in the middle of the road.

Well, not exactly in the middle of the road, you had to go underground down the steps to them.

I used them for a 'wash and brush, only 6d' after I had stood the market selling coats on a Saturday.

So maybe I'll see you in there -- no, not the toilets -- the pub.

But only if you've been very good, mind you, and written all your Christmas cards first.