Where did the time go?

There I was in late November with a pile of Christmas cards ready to deliver, yet before I know it, it's Christmas Eve and I've still got a number of cards in my possession.

So, if you are a friend of mine reading this and you didn't receive a card, fear not, I've got one for you and more's the point, you'll probably get it in late October next year!

AS Rod Stewart once sang, "Tonight's the night", New Year's Eve and pubs around the town will be, in some cases, charging admission for regulars who have put money in the till for the last 51 weeks.

It's not just exclusive to Worthing, they're even doing it at the Rovers Return in Coronation Street, but when did it all start in our town?

I do believe that for all his obvious talent for running a top boozer, it was Mr Chris Chapman who started the trend in 1983 at the newly-refurbished Chapman's.

In his defence, the pub had not been open a full 12 months, so the regulars hadn't had a full year of patronage, but it certainly started the practice which continues to this day.

Thankfully, in my formative years, though Chapman's was also a favourite haunt, numerous New Year's Eves were spent at the George in Goring, where Roy Lester, one of Worthing finest-ever publicans, resisted making a charge to the people who had been so loyal to him throughout the year.

On a footnote, the George is now a carvery and completely transformed from the pub I remember as a youngster.

Nice as it is, I likened it to having to watch your first love marry an NCP traffic warden.

THIS year's panto at the Pavilion Theatre, Cinderella, has received mixed notices, while our local "girls", Lucinda Kennard and Anna Bingham, have received rave reviews.

I feel a bit for accomplished performer Todd Carty, who has been criticised for his portrayal of Buttons.

I think it's a bit unfair on Mr Carty, as he's a "big name" which producer Paul Hammond relies on when he puts a panto together.

He's not necessarily there for his panto skills, he's there because Mr Hammond knows that fans of Grange Hill, EastEnders, The Bill and Dancing on Ice want to come and see a star of those particular shows in the flesh.

It's a good marketing tool, and something, judging by box office figures, Mr Hammond is very good at.

Who, I wonder, will he think of for next year's production?

Just a suggestion, but why not Princess Diana's former butler, and "rock", Paul Burrell?

Now, I would pay good money to see him...

AND finally, I had the privilege and pleasure of compring Ferring Country Centre's annual carol concert last week.

Although it was bitterly cold, a great time was had, and more importantly a large turnout helped raise funds for a very worthy cause.

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