I have actually found the most annoying thing in the world.

It has nothing to do with selfish drivers, or people who won’t let go of your hand when they shake it (although I must say the latter has got me pretty annoyed of late. One fellow last week also had to swear after every third word. Not every second word but every third word).

No, the most annoying thing in the world is going to a place and finding you can’t take out any money without being charged.

I had not frequented Blackpool since my last outburst against the town, but by a strange turn of events I was back at the seaside enjoying the wonderful weather last weekend.

Oh yes, things went pretty well for the most part. I was enthralled with that bloke whose job it is commentate on the horse-racing game at the entrance to the Pleasure Beach. Man, that guy was a genius to make each and every single 15-second race sound so beautiful. I’m not joking, he was amazing.

Now, I have nothing against Blackpool as such, but I find it has certainly lost its charm. And the reason for this is because of things like getting stiffed for £1.94 to take your own cash out.

Walk along the promenade and you cannot take your own money out anywhere at any machine without having to pay for the privilege.

I hate this charge more than I hate most other charges – and I hate charges with a vengeance.

Having walked along the promenade, I thought I might find a free cash machine. But no, they were having none of it. The powers that be knew we would need money sooner or later, and they wanted my £1.94.

A half-mile walk later, after much thought and several arguments with the other half who seemed to suggest I had done this on purpose so as not spend money on the kids, I finally relented and decided to take some money out. And what happened? The machine was out of order!

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside – if only the blasted place would let me take my money out for free.