Writer of Only Fools and Horses has died

IT was sad to see that the writer of Only Fools And Horses, John Sullivan, had died.

Only Fools and Horses was one of my favourite comedy programmes when I was growing up.

The exploits of Del and Rodney were followed by millions over the years the show was on BBC1.

Who can forget The Jolly Boys’ Outing – the Christmas feature length special from 1989.

Del Boy organises the annual trip to Margate, but the day goes wrong when the coach blows up on the way home.

It is lucky for Del though, as he bumps into an old flame (Raquel) who he later goes on to marry.

The day is also bad for Rodney, who ends up being arrested, much to the annoyance of his wife Cassandra.

Another favourite of mine was The Unlucky Winner Is. Here Rodney wins a competition to the Mediterranean after Del Boy enters a Megaflakes competition. But there is a snag as Rodney has to pretend to be 14 years old on holiday.

The show made household names of David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst.

John Sullivan was only 64, but he was behind many other famous programmes, such as Just Good Friends and Dear John.

Meanwhile, I was surprised to find out that today (Saturday, April 23) was St George’s Day. April 23 is the day Saint George was supposed to have died in AD 303.

St George was a Roman soldier who fought against the Romans because they tortured Christians. He died for what he believed in.

He is believed to be popular in England because the Crusaders are said to have seen him in a vision before they won a battle.

Action for Happiness launched

SOME people raised their eyebrows at the announcement of a new group called Action for Happiness aimed at bringing about a happier society. The idea was launched on Tuesday, April 12 and was covered on the BBC and ITN news programmes. Action for Happiness wants to bring about an alternative culture where people are more interested in the happiness of others. If you join you have to promise to bring about more happiness in the world, in a number of different settings, whether it be at home, in the community or at work. The people behind Action for Happiness are Lord Layard, Geoff Mulgan and Anthony Seldon who come from the world of economics, education and politics. Those involved with the group have said people in America and Britain may have more material goods than people 50 years ago, but they are no happier. Mark Williamson, director of Action for Happiness, said: “Now more than ever we need to help people build their personal resilience and create a culture where we are less preoccupied with material wealth and more focussed on each other’s happiness and well-being.” Those behind Action for Happiness believe humans are made happy by their relationships, at work, at home and in the community. Meanwhile, this year’s Masters was one of the most exciting for many years. The final day was pulsating. You could not help but feel sorry for Rory McIlroy. He had been leading going into the final day and fell away dramatically after a terrible back nine. Tiger Wood’s charge on the last day was exciting too. Charl Schwartzel played terrific golf to win.

The end of the single on CD?

IT’S a shame that some record labels have decided to stop producing singles on CD and vinyl because of lack of sales. Many people have fond memories of going into their local music store and buying the latest releases. In the past, I have been told there were booths in record shops, where you could listen to a record before buying it. Music label Mercury Records has announced they are no longer going to produce singles on CD, because most of their singles sales are now on downloads. Artists such as Elton John, U2 and Arcade Fire are with the label. But the company will release discs for charity singles. People are downloading music now. This way of buying songs again offers you a brief chance to listen to a single or album before you purchase it. It is also a lot more convenient – as you don’t have to leave your own home. Meanwhile, for the first time in years you won’t be able to watch the first two days of The Masters live unless you have satellite television. The tournament will be live on terrestrial television from the weekend though. This year’s event will start on Thursday, April 7 and finishes on Sunday, April 10. It is good the BBC has not lost the whole event, but I hope next year the full coverage can return. This year will also be 25 years since Jack Nicklaus’s famous win at Augusta. He took his 18th Major (and last to date) in 1986 at the age of 46.