Me and Judi took Bobby the dog to Cannock Chase (Area of Outstanding National Beauty, five minutes from our door) for afternoon walkies on Boxing Day. We parked at the Visitor Centre and, unexpectedly, there were hundreds of people there. Lovely crisp sunny afternoon.

There were loads of little kids on brand new bikes. Some quite competent, racing up and down laughing, others concentrating hard while gently falling over every few yards. All closely attended by parents and all wearing those brightly coloured plastic crash helmets so no injuries. Bobby thought it was great, especially the few remotely controlled toy cars he saw (and was about to chase until Judi put him right!).

Everyone smiling, great holiday atmosphere. Simply joyful.