WHAT to wear? For ladies, it’s the eternal question. It’s the first thing you think of when you’re invited to an event.

Men don’t understand. They don’t have that problem; they have an outfit, they’ve had it for years and, providing they don’t put on too much weight, it will see them out.

For ladies, it’s a serious situation. Did I wear it last year? Is it worth while spending a lot of money on a dress you’re only going to wear once or twice?

Then, in comes the ‘what the hell moment’ — go for it, buy something extravagant, because you only live once.

Funnily enough, though, you don’t do that, you don’t throw caution to the wind.

No, you go back and root through that overloaded wardrobe, that’s full of clothes that don’t fit anymore — but you know that one day they will, when you can find the strength and determination to stick to that strict diet you keep promising yourself. The one that you are definitely starting — tomorrow.

On Saturday I was at the Chamber of Trade’s big night, when the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen hosted the Kidney Care night charity ball.

While getting ready I looked longingly at the settee and TV, but then, how glad you are when you get there.

You meet friends, chat, renew old acquaintances and think, ‘Yes, we should do this more often, we definitely should, it’s great’.

And it’s such a pleasant way to raise the much-needed cash.

Now I’m not knocking TV. It’s great company and, for the lonely, a lifeline, but if we are not careful it can also be a social barrier, stopping people from that vital thing of meeting and interacting with real live folk.

At the moment I’m getting a bit cheesed of with all this gadgetry; why do people constantly need to be in touch?

Now, it’s not considered rude to answer the mobile and converse while having a meeting or a meal with someone.

They just say ‘You don’t mind if I take this call do you?’ Well, I damn well do!