Actually, this change to NFU’s terms and conditions might just be a deal-breaker. I can’t even begin to imagine driving around without a stash of nitro-glycerine and/or dynamite in the back of the car.

Ending the year on a suitably downbeat note, I have just received our home and motor insurance renewal quote for 2025. A stiff drink definitely seems in order!

Good evening.

Every time I hear about the Czech now in the post, I can't help recalling my favourite stamp.

Yet one more of the apparently permanent fixtures of the Newcastle I grew up in goes for good.

Very fondly remembering the world's best aunt on what would have been her 100th birthday.

Black Friday self-indulgence.

Really sorry that I only heard about this book by reading the author's Telegraph obituary, and being tempted by this line: "The book was rejected by several publishers as being too funny to succeed in the horror market." It did not disappoint - a great read!

Perhaps I’ll try to work the few remaining acceptable jokes into my memoirs, when I get around to writing them. I enjoyed these from my old friend the retail guru John Richards.