Back in January I demanded on behalf of all footie fans that Jimmy be given an England cap. Lo and behold the midfielder with the cheeky grin and corkscrew hair is now rubbing shoulders with Rio, Wayne and the rest.

Or maybe Capello lookalike Howard Brown, from Werrington, is picking the team now.

Wedding blues
I'm sure the hearts of many readers went out to the couple whose big day was wrecked when Second World War firebombs were discovered at Orton Hall.

It meant for the unlucky pair their reception and wedding had to be cancelled although thankfully everything went ahead the next day.

No doubt, most sympathy was for the bride to be. But if she is anything like My Special Friend, my thoughts were for the bridegrooom

As someone in the early stage of planning their nuptials, I'm learning on a daily basis that I am a very bad person. This is mainly because I do not take any interest in the arrangements for our forthcoming marriage.

MSF meanwhile is writing lists, planning menus, and spending hours on the phone to family and friends.

Every 24 hours or so, she blows. "You don't take any interest. Don't you want to marry me?'' she demands.

Sighing inwardly, I put down my book – How To Be A Better Boyfriend – and ask to look at provisional guest list number 34A.

I made no comment on the inclusion on the list of Jimmy Choo, nor of Gok Wan and Trinny and Susannah.

But, to show interest, when I came to one name I asked: "Why are you inviting her?'' I received a convoluted explanation that revolved around previous weddings and the politics of guess lists.

"But last time you saw her you said she was a chippy madam who you've never liked,'' I protested.

At which point she snatched the list out of my hand and pouted: "It's my day.''

Why do I get the feeling my day is going to be a long one with or without firebombs?

Texting – it's criminal behaviour
Cambridgeshire police hit the national headlines when they responded by text message to a couple who had spotted a burglar breaking into a neighbouring home.

The cops' response upset the couple particularly when they asked the pair to "establish what has been stolen and where from''.

But I reckon our boys in blue are on the right lines. Why don't they just text all the criminals with "Stop, police!" and "Yr nckd''. It would save them so much time and effort.

Is Geoff a tweetie pie?
Former Peterborough policeman and Olympic athlete Geoff Capes has been in the news after he became the new President of the Budgerigar Society.

As a cub reporter working for the Spalding Guardian one of my first assignments was to interview Mr Capes about, if my memory serves me, a new shop he had opened in the town where he lived.

Old hands at the office had told me that the world renowned shot putter could be a bit feisty with the gentlemen of the press so it was with some trepidation that I headed out with notebook in hand.