Reasons to be cheerful

Though this year will be tough there are two great highlights — the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics.

Queen Elizabeth II has occupied the throne for 60 years and interestingly of our monarchs it has often been the women who have been not just the longest serving (Victoria holds the record at 64 years) but also the most successful, including Elizabeth I, Victoria and our present Queen.

There are moves in parliament to change the rules of succession so that the first born child of William and Kate will be first in line to the throne, irrespective of gender. I look forward to supporting this change when it comes before Parliament.

The jubilee will see much celebration. On June 3 there will be a massive maritime flotilla on the River Thames of 1,000 vessels — the largest display of its kind for 350 years. Street parties will celebrate right across the country.

This year will also be the third in which we host the Olympics. We did so in 1908 (when we stood in for Rome then struck by the wrath of Vesuvius) and in 1948 — the first televised games. These games will use that same medium to project themselves to over four billion people, an experience enhanced by 14 lighting towers around the Olympic Stadium which will ensure that the first Olympic games with HD TV freeze-frame coverage can be viewed effectively.

The games will be ignited by the Olympic torch which will visit 30 cities, towns and villages in Devon, including on May 21, Okehampton, Folly Gate and Hatherleigh.

So, at least two reasons to be cheerful this year. A celebration of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and our hosting of the greatest global sporting and entertainment event of our times. Enjoy.