Good afternoon.
Liverpool's demi-God Bill Shankley - when told football was a matter of life and death - famously said it was more important than that.
I feel a bit that way about the programme tonight. At one end of the spectrum we have London's first Birth Hotel. Like Ronseal, it does what it says on the tin: it is not a hospital, with all the add-ons a hospital needs. It is a purpose built unit, driven by midwives, that exists solely to assist women with the birth of their children. We explore if it is as good as it sounds, and ask some tough questions. One of our mum-reporters, Emma, is casting an informed and expectant (congratulations Em' !) eye over the facility.
At the other end is an appalling story of animal misery: 35 dead horses that were kept in a terrible condition. 86 are right now being rescued and we are waiting to hear how they are doing. Who could let this happen and why? Marcus is on his way.
We've the tragedy of the lad in Dartford who died under a bus, and the pleasure of the Pitsea pupils who have told their teachers they WILL wear ties: uniform pleasure in the office about that one.
Apparently some are bemoaning the fact that they spend so much time showing the little ones how to tie a single or even double Windsor. Hey, spare a thought for the Masters at Eton! Or not.
From one bank of the Thames we've the monstrous invasion of Abramovich-like Russian Zebra Mussels who, like Abramovich's Chelsea - fear no predator. Whilst, on the other bank, we have the very un-Abramovich like London Eye - BA have pulled the plug on their sponsorship and London's favourite tourist attraction is in need of a new financial friend. I think ITV (EYE..geddit??) should step in but I am told that is not, currently, the plan.
Finally, Tom Hanks unveils his latest controversial, multi-million dollar oeuvre on the red carpet in Leicester Square as we unveil our search for a unique London talent to entertain the troops on Olympic handover day in Trafalgar Square. Lucy will be looking lovely with the luvvies and Ben has the baton, and is keen to pass it on.
Weather, papers and your thoughts on birth hotels should bring it all neatly to an end.
An end? Perchance to dream... no, not that theme again. See you at six.
Alastair & Katie.
