HAPPY NEW YEAR

It's only when you look back on a decade that you realise how much has changed. We started 2000 as Londoners, in steady jobs, plodding along from year to year.

Then in 2001 we took the decision to move to Brighton and, in December 2004 take over the Avalon so are now in our 6th year. I am still waiting to wake up and there's nothing to do - I could make a list of 10 things each day and manage perhaps half of them!

I cannot even begin to count how many new friends and acquaintances we have made in that time (or indeed during our time in Brighton). It's delightful that the nicest people keep coming back time and time again. They are all lovely, keep a keen interest in our wellbeing, and us in theirs, as families grow up and so on.

Doubtless we shall meet more until we finally decide to pack it in and move on.

So at the start of another year, another decade, we look forward to seeing you again soon to share stories, triumphs, tragedies, secrets and pleasures. A very Happy New Year.