Mr Happy / Alan Day: "what's the significance of 2nd December?"

As Bernard was discussing TV licencing I assume he was referring to the upcoming digital switchover that's due on December 2nd in the North West of England (and quite possibly elsewhere). After this date it won't be possible to receive analogue TV signals so in theory his VHS player with an analogue receiver won't require a license. It'll be interesting to know how the TV licensing authorities take to this theory!