The Electrical Trades Union last night called off their power men’s overtime ban. The unofficial go-slow also ended at midnight. But the electricity generating board warned that power cuts would not end immediately because of a “severe” backlog of work.

In a fantastic series of slips, slides and slithers more than fifty of the Monte Carlo car rally’s 298 competitors dropped out yesterday, beaten by Europe’s worst weather for nearly twenty years. Pat Moss, “the best woman driver in the world” remains in contention, driving a Ford Anglia Super.

Peter Ustinov’s play Photo Finish opens on Broadway on 12 February - the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, who was assassinated in his box while watching a play. Said Peter, “I have arranged that all the boxes in the theatre will be empty that night.”

Men are enthusiastic about such things as low-cut dresses and short skirts before they are married to the woman, but once they are married they feel their wives shouldn’t wear such things. Also, a wife is supposed to look pretty after five babies while men can get a paunch at thirty-five.

Television highlights: Dancing Club - learning the Bossa Nova, World in Action, Spin Along.

Radio highlights: Acker Bilk, Let’s Take a Spin.

my missus introduced me to a mate of hers - hilariously called Kendal (like the mint cake?) - who shook my hand and said (first thing out of her mouth): ‘why is it you men are all fat ugly bastards till we leave you and then you go the gym and lose 3 stone?’

Well nice to meet you Kendal!