HOW responsible; vodka bar Revolution has decided to offer the people of Watford the opportunity to win a supercharged Lada. But don't worry, once tanked up on powerful spirits, the lucky idiot will not jump into their new wheels and whizz intoxicated all over the town.

Thoughtfully the "vodka specialists", who are apparently responsible for "pimping" this monstrous automobile, have painted "Don't drink and drive" on the bonnet to discourage such antics.

If only the government had come up with such a brilliant strategy for tackling similar anti-social behaviour. Walls could be daubed with slogans warning "Spraying here is a criminal offence" or people could wear signs around their necks reading "Don't mug me, it's illegal".

Although the competition to win the mighty machine, which visited Watford on Monday, is now closed, I have not been asked to add the following disclaimer.

Photo may not reflect actual size of vehicle. Colour is only an indication of the colour of your vehicle. Lada 4x4s are not suitable for driving on tracks, fields, stony ground, hard ground, soft ground or roads. Anastasia and Svetlana (pictured) may be included in the prize. Price of visas may be charged by Revolution at some extra cost to winner, subject to VAT. No purchase necessary but highly recommended.




I WAS privileged this week to interview veteran optometrist, Jeremy Gasson, who retired from practice recently. Aside from the many insights he provided me with into the world of optics, (to be found on page 6) he also brought up two of his favourite stories from his experiences in the field.

The first concerns a young man who insisted to Mr Gasson's receptionist he did not need to pay for his spectacles. So adamant was he, Mr Gasson himself had to be called to settle the matter.

Now, it was well known the man had been working as a builder and so would not be exempt from the fee as far as the NHS was concerned.

But when Mr Gasson confronted the individual, the mists cleared.

"I've been to the Shell garage," said the man. "See, it says here; buy four gallons of diesel and get free glasses."

On another occasion, Mr Gasson told me he asked his patient to read the top letter on the wall in front of him.

However, it transpired the man was not only registerable as blind but had driven to his appointment and held a current HGV licence endorsed by a doctor. Don't such events just re-affirm your faith in humanity?




AND finally, what's in a name? Well everything if you're a lamb apparently. So visit www.watfordobserver.co.uk to take part in our competition to name three of spring's most woolly new arrivals.

Suggestions have ranged far and wide so far, but my current favourites revolve around our districts desks.

For the two females, Princess Michael of Langleys and Princess Ruth of Rivers. And for the male, Prince John of Bushey.

The more cynical types on the newsdesk have suggested Mint, Rosemary and Thyme.

Better and more sensible ideas should be entered on our website.