CHILDREN In Need Day today, a big event at the BBC.

Terry Wogan will be strutting his stuff on your tele tonight and at BBC Hereford & Worcester we'll be out and about all day, and I'll be on air until nine tonight.

It set me to thinking how much money will be raised for Children In Need, and indeed how much is raised each year by all the charities in Britain.

It must be a staggering amount.

And I'm often amused at what people will do to raise a few bob.

I was reminded of my old mate Sheppo, who abseiled down the side of the Giffard Hotel a couple of years ago.

He got to the top, started to go over, and did not want to go.

And I have to say I don't blame him either. But he did it.

I had the pleasure of attending two events this week (sounds more like the Mayor's Diary) for a couple of old chums.

Friday was Chris "Winky" Palmer's 65th birthday and retirement.

One of my all-time favourite people, good footballer, good cricketer, awful race-horse tipster, but a true mate and one of the nicest people I have ever come across.

He'll enjoy his retirement, for about 10 minutes, and then start re-decorating his house!

Good to see some old mates as well, although they haven't aged as well as me.

And on Sunday I was asked to the Worcestershire Bowls Association lunch, by its president, John Weston.

What can I say about Wesso that would be printable.

Again a top bloke, and one of the most amusing speeches I have heard at such an event.

Well done Wesso, he brings a smile to the face of bowls.

Will we be celebrating this time tomorrow? Will England win the Rugby World Cup.

Well if I knew that I would not be writing this column, but going out to put a bet on.

I think it would be great for the game in this country, so put your white shirt on in the morning, stick your flag of Saint George out the bedroom window... and cheer for England !