I really should start a collection of the unusual names of organisations I've spoken to over the years. Favourites have included the British Concrete Manufacturers' Association who turned out to be very set in their ways. Don't worry, the gags on the night were much better than that!

In that vein, last week, I was speaking to the Annual Dinner of the British Pump Manufacturers' Association, and they were excellent company. They were great ambassadors for their business too, and I can now tell you anything you need to know about the amazing part that pumps play both industrially and domestically.

The conversation over dinner was fascinating; in particular the need to make real efforts to raise the profile and the success of British manufacturing industry. Several guests made the point that any economy which loses the foundation of actually making things will soon hit problems.

As was strongly pointed out, the service economy can only go so far in providing solid employment, and recent news has raised warning signals in businesses like call centres. As you'll have heard, competition from countries like India is making a strong impression. Your call to the bank these days may well be answered in Bombay rather than Darlington, and the trend is continuing. If those life-saving replacement jobs in the service sector all end up abroad, where is the substitute for them?

We'll never get back to the days my Dad knew as a shipbuilder when Britain was a huge factory, but, whatever it takes, manufacturing needs reviving while the body still lives.

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It was a great delight to be with Saltburn Cricket Club for their Awards Night recently. My host Simon Walker had been telling me about the huge strides taken by the club recently, and they really do have a magnificent set-up these days.

The indoor cricket nets in particular are First Class quality, and I enjoyed bowling a couple of balls down, to no particular effect.

It was fantastic to see so many youngsters receiving recognition, and the whole atmosphere is something to treasure. It's very important to invest money, and time, in youngsters because I'm sure it gives many of them a positive direction forward, and much less chance of ending up in bother. I'm delighted to hear too that Durham are taking a great interest in the project and have offered practical encouragement.

I always remember when I was Chief Exec at Durham County Cricket Club (almost ten years ago now) that I wrote a programme note dreaming of the day when a youngster from the county would turn out in a Test Match on his home patch. I had some disbelieving responses at the time, but, when England play their first Test Match at the Riverside next summer, it could well come true. With the rise of young Durham players like Steve Harmison and Paul Collingwood, just watch.

Don't be surprised if some of the young players I met in Saltburn the other day are wearing their country's colours one day either. New talent in the England team will be very welcome!

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Yesterday (26th), I had the pleasure of saying a few words at the Cleveland Pensioners' Convention meeting at the Grand Hotel in Hartlepool. As you might know, it's a non party political organisation, but locally and nationally they are starting to turn up the pressure on decision makers to do more for the dignity and life quality of the older people of this country.

Secretary Mike Findley was well pleased with their first meeting in the town and is in the process of setting up a local management committee. It gives me a good chance to record warmest congratulations to Mike who received an award last week as a Community Champion for his work on behalf of older people. It was richly deserved for a tireless worker and a great character.

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Finally, a seasonal smile which appealed to me:

One snowman said to the other: "Can you smell carrots?"

Worth the effort!

Published:27/11/2002