WATCHING the Winter Olympics vividly brought back the terror I felt when I stood at the top of the bob sledge run, amid a crowd of people, including senior Army officers and the soldier crew, for my charity sledge run a couple of years ago.

My dilemma, which act would take the most courage? To cry off, or Do I run'?

Looking at the expectant faces I'd no option, I would have to do the run. Off! I remember one soldier running behind the sledge, and jumping in.

At this stage, I was so glad of his strong arms, not to mention legs, and we gathered speed, swept up, down, and round that trough of ice.

Was I frightened? You bet your life, I was petrified, but glad I did it.

Sometimes I ask myself Margo, why do you do these things?' Well, it's my childhood and the Girl Guides. Be prepared!

Badges for needlework, housewifery, first aid, yes I'd a sleeve full. My mother would say Good heavens we're not doing another one are we?' Things learnt as a child are always with you, that's why family life is important.

For where else would you get the rules, the values, that guide you in those little but important everyday decisions?

Again they're sniping at our Army, what on earth do people expect?

They're young, and afraid. They are spat at, have hand grenades thrown at them, are involved in running battles with street mobs, so they pull in the leaders and retaliate.

Not right, I agree, but understandable, for they are in a terribly, dangerous situation.

Had they replied with guns in the street it would have been just another incident.' Americans would have called in helicopters, other countries are not even there.

It's oh so easy to be pious from a safe distance and are our hand wringing politicians, newspapers and TV helping?

On Tuesday evening, at St James' Mothers Union, I saw some old friends.

It was great to see Brenda Tatton, she and Alf had the craft shop across from us on Bolton Road, then one next to the Jubilee. Talk about blasts from the past.

The Calendar Girls' were guests at the Grant a Wish' lunch on Wednesday; they spoke of their amazement of how a little idea to raise hopefully' £5,000, took off big style and topped well over £1million. Not bad for 12 Women's Institute ladies eh? Goes to show what determination can do.

I'm always amazed at the many good things going on and the nice things people do. Sadly we only read about nasty bits but that's what sells the papers, a bit of a sad reflection on society, don't you think?

On Friday I was at a do' for Frank Morley, my Thwaites Brewery manager for years, who retired this week. What a cracking bloke, he'll be missed.

I'm out a lot talking.' It's funny, this after-dinner speaking; they do say a good speech is a bit like having a baby, easy to conceive but difficult to deliver.

You have to strike a happy balance, drive you point home, without driving home your audience.

My son says the best after dinner speech is I'll get the bill!' Till next week.