Newsletter January 2007

Well this Xmas seemed to go off without the usual huffs, puffs, tantrums and door slammings that usually accompany our joyous family do’s – just the odd sulk and accommodating sigh punctuating the drama. A house bursting with would-be, could-be, full-on divas is a bit disconcerting to those of a fragile ego. Perhaps it was because we decided to do it in bits, one bite size family chunk at a time. Or you might put it down to cross breeding as more kids get married off and bring in fresh DNA to the gene pool. Babies and young children certainly make a difference. In fact we all had a very jolly time. My new son-in-law Tom proved himself a dab hand in the kitchen – and we all had a nibble of Dilys for starters. We must do it again…

On the international front I was most relieved that the UK paid off the last of its 50 yearly instalments of the loan from America and Canada for supporting us during World War 2. In the end the total was nearly double the amount loaned - $7.5bn to US and $2bn to Canada. I wonder if King Bliar negotiated such a favourable deal with Mr Bush to support him in their illegal war in Iraq. I hope this year is the start of another kind of "special relationship" based on our efforts to work together to combat climate change and sustainable development. At least we will have an end to the mad swirling of the Bliar Spin and change to the staid trot of the Gay Gordon, though Cammi Knickers is raring to step onto the dance floor and shake his booty. Oh what fun lies ahead!

Personally, I am really looking forward to 2007 as it is going to be a very special year for me with lots to celebrate. Firstly I am 60 years young – yes, you heard it right – 60 on the 26th February. Then May is the 40th anniversary of my Eurovision win. Not sure if I should celebrate this or not – oh well, who cares? Why turn down an opportunity for a knees-up? Then on June 10th it is my 30th birthday as a practicing Nichiren Buddhist. I shall be practically glowing with enlightenment, hot flushes and champagne – a heady mix. I plan to go on a wine and tango tour of South America with Amie and take advantage of her fluency in Portuguese and Spanish. Jack and I are trying to put together a special football trip that would have to involve Arsenal – any ideas? Tony and I are going off round the world at the end of the year but I had to promise first I would not try and buy any more houses on our travels. One way or another I hope to have spent my entire pension by the end of 2007.

Meanwhile I have lots of surprises and presents lined up for you throughout the year. Starting with something really special on my 60th birthday that will blow your socks off. I will tell you all about it in the February Newsletter. Here’s more of the Shaw Tribe with Tom demonstrating his decoration skills….