And now we wait for the new year.......
I always find this time of year a little "odd" , the old year is on its last legs, yet the new year is waiting, coiled and tense, ready to spring out on the world.
The Sunday papers are full of the "reviews of the year". Its not that hard to point at the major events to happen to the UK, and the World this year. I shall not make any more mention of the conflict in Iraq, other than to say my thoughts are with the Soldiers and their Families at this time of year. It is good that they have Sadam, but I'm sure he may well be an even bigger problems now they have him, than is was when they were looking for him.
This last year has also seen the "last flight" of Concord.
I still think that Richard Branson should have been allowed to buy one of these wonderful aeroplanes, but that is that.
One of the other major news stories here in the UK was the trial of Ian Huntley and Maxine Carr for the killings of Holly and Jessica in Soham.
Again, everything that could be said , has been said, one way and another. I still find it inconceivable that anyone could harm any child in that way, but then it is equally obvious that there are people out there who have no qualms about injuring an innocent child.
For the last few days, we have had my Brother in law staying. I mention this in passing as this sort of sets the scene for what is next. Jim (my brother in law) and Liam (my "small" son - 
) both wanted to watch "The Scorpion King" on Sky movies, whilst Cathy and Laura (wife and daughter) wanted to watch Casualty on the BBC. So I migrated up to the bedroom (which wasn't such a bad idea anyway, as I still feel awful), turned to BBC2 to find it was showing one of my all time fav films.
The Great Escape, with that memorable motorbike chase across the border fencing, was playing. Being based on a real War time escape attempt, in which a number of the escaping Officers were murdered by the local Intelligence forces, this is probably one of the best known, well loved films in movie history.
Filled with the actors that I grew up with, many of whom are now sadly departed, it is one of those films that is part of my history, "my growing up". Information on the real people and the real attempt can be found at this site - http://www.elsham.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/gt_esc/ .
Perhaps it was one of those "realisation" moments. I remember asking my Dad why had the soldiers shot all those "goodies" in the Lorry at the end of the film, expecting the "well it's just for the film" sort of answer. What I got was the real reason, if that is the correct way to put it. 
That , although this was a film, real men, real humans, had really tried to escape, really tired to get home and had paid the highest price that anyone could pay. And on top of that was the beginnings of the realisation of darker side of human nature.
See right : James Coburn
Chances are, with going back to work tomorrow, that this could well be my last posting before the New Year.
So, don't get too merry on Wednesday Night
an to all
A Happy New Year
God bless
Dave
