Maybe I was a little hasty celebrating the fact that, due to a family holiday, I would miss next year's local elections.

They have been moved to June to coincide with the ever-popular Euro elections and, with more than nine months still to go, there are all the makings of an intriguing contest.

There is a saying "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen" and this might apply to two members of the current Liberal Democrat Cabinet who are said to be thinking of standing down.

The other mouth-watering prospect is that the next Mayor will probably be a Tory, which would result in a bit of credit for the Lib Dems, who appear to be adhering to the mayoral gentleman's agreement, reneged on by the Conservatives more than once.

Favourite is Reg Green, who I think would make an excellent mayor. He certainly wouldn't use the position for political gain and would be, along with his charming wife, a credit to the town.

However, there are two other Tory councillors who may wish to lay claim to the nomination and here lies the problem.

Both are in wards that could actually go either way on election night.

So Reg Green it is then . . . and remember where you read it first.

My commitments with Brighton and Hove Albion meant I missed the annual August bank holiday carnival.

However, Mrs Hart and the two children of the house made the annual pilgrimage over West Worthing crossing to watch the procession - and came back with mixed reports.

My eight-year-old son thoroughly enjoyed it, my wife was non-plussed and my daughter thought it a load of old rubbish.

Has the carnival lost its magic?

One of those childhood memories that will never leave me is waiting for the procession on Worthing seafront in 1969.

I vividly recall seeing the white caps of the band of the Royal Marines in the distance, as it was they that headed the parade that year.

The carnival itself went on for what seemed like hours and it was a breathtaking experience.

What chance the Royal Marines leading the parade next year?

I love sheep - normally with mint sauce and a big helping of the wife's roast potatoes.

So I was somewhat saddened by the fact Findon Sheep Fair will this year have no, er, sheep.

The organisers have still pledged a fun-filled occasion, complete with funfair, beer tent and hog roast.

I look forward to attending this rural delight in my wellies (in case the ground at Nepcote Green is boggy) and woolly jumper and hope readers will join me.