Looking back at February 2006 reminds me that at the time Suzi and I were increasingly looking forward – and not enjoying it one bit. We were entering the final trimester of our year in Sussex. The end of May would mean the end of Brighton, and although departure day was still four months away we could feel if not in our bones then in our minds, the chill wind that was beckoning us north. Then, as if some malevolent force wanted to provide us with an aperitif of what awaited us, at the end of February, we got a taste of the real thing…in Worthing.

But February – a month of significant dates for us – opened with glorious sunshine. On my lunch break from the call-centre (see The Brighton Bug) we began a two day celebration of Suzi’s birthday by meeting in the chippie in Regency Square, where a waiter immortalised the occasion by taking our picture. In the afternoon solo Suzi had coffee and cake in the wonderful Mad Hatter – even writing the words ‘Mad Hatter’ gives me goose bumps. After work, we had Steak Diane and champagne in the flat – the SD was bought from an up-market outlet on Western Road situated opposite Little Preston Street. Then in the evening it was drinks in the Atlas (more goose bumps). The following day the celebs continued in London. We teamed up with my daughter Fifi and her boyfriend Matthew, ate, drank and had much fun in a French restaurant near Smithfield . (Lost count of the goose-bumps!) Days later horsey-winnings maintained the feel-good factor. Via a bus to Three Bridges and the train to Clapham Junction we arrived at Esher station and fell into an ‘it’s a small world’ conversation with the guy who manned the food-stall whose remark to Suzi, ‘Oh you’re from Glasgow’ met with her lobbing the same one back to him. Leaving the ex-pat thinking about the Griffin Bar on a Saturday night and students in West Princes street, we soon had sight of Sandown’s impressive grandstand. We crossed the race-track in its direction, stopping en route at the famous Railway Fences we’d often seen on TV. We’d give Sandown 10/10. The facilities were excellent. But there were two other pluses. Suzi caught sight of trainer and ex-jockey Brendan Powell, though this time I ensured there was no repeat of her January 1st antics (see Before I get to Plumpton). Then in the afternoon’s feature hurdle she proved that form study’s unnecessary as long as you’re a female who knows the fashion world. I’d never heard of Ungaro, but Suzi knew what to be on and it romped in at a generous price.

On the 14th her mood improved yet further. Not far along from the Atlas pub there was a cute little patisserie. They sold tiny, hand made Valentine’s Day cakes. Naturally I purchased one for my beloved. It looked irresistible and, I was reliably informed, tasted gorgeous.

Seven years ago today Suzi and I moved in together. Exactly a year later we took the bus to Worthing. It snowed! As I stood alone at the extremity of the pier, looking towards Brighton, I was so glad to be wearing the second hand navy great-coat I’d bought in the North Laines. Alone? Yes, and also looking at Suzi whose feet were on terra firma. She likes piers, but only from a distance. The sight of swirling water between the wooden slats just isn’t her cup of tea.

Not that this or the snowflakes dampened our enthusiasm on what was - and is - a special day for us. We can’t revisit Brighton - but how about Sandown, London, Goodwood, Chichester, Rye, Hastings, Barnham, Fontwell, Lancing, Plumpton, Gatwick, Newhaven, Stanmer, Three Bridges, and Clapham Junction? Surely, yes. And Worthing? Ditto – and maybe the next time we’re there it won’t be February 28, it won’t snow, Suzi will make it to the pier’s end - and we’ll take in a movie in the most delightful little cinema in merry England.

(The story of our unrepeatable year in Brighton began with ‘Arrival!, posted on May 17 2011)

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