ARE we patriotic? Well, until Saturday, I would have emphatically said yes, we definitely are.

But, after standing in front of the town hall on a warm spring day, next to the large figure of St George, giving out roses to commemorate St George’s Day, I am now a little less sure.

For when I questioned some youngsters aged about 12 to 14, they didn't seem to know who St George was, nor anything about his connection with England and I found this a little sad.

On the whole, though, it was a good day and it was followed by a great evening at a special dinner and dance at Mytton Fold.

Not that I need anything to reinforce my pride in our great country. Oh yes, I know we Brits have our faults, but on the whole we are a good example of what a country should be — welcoming and fair.

Perhaps we may err sometimes and be a little too generous, but that’s not such a bad fault is it?

On Sunday afternoon there was a special St George's Day service at the cathedral, attended by the mayor and entourage and the scouts and guides.

It was grand to see the cathedral packed to capacity and a great pleasure to see and hear the Salvation Army band directed by Eric Milcrest.

Earlier in the week I ‘opened’ a forum at Ewood and we heard about ‘Home Instead’, a service where older people, who are needing a little TLC, have daily visits from the same regular visitor, in their own home, where they feel safe and comfortable.

Hopefully they may get to know these visitors as a friend, which is a great alternative to having to leave your home and go into care.

I am desolate. I’m still without my Blackburn Coat of Arms badge. I do really miss it.

People always mentioned it and when they did, it gave me the opportunity to tell them, and swank about our town, Blackburn, of which I am very proud.

I know that I wore it on my London trip with Nigel, but I don’t know what’s happened to it.