Though very much my wife's role in life, occasionally Rosie, the ever faithful       labrador allows me the privilege of taking her for a walk. I am particularly grateful for her co-operation since besides golf my only exercise tends to be these occasional jaunts. Hyland Park is invariably the venue, regarded by Rosie as an extension to the garden.

At the weekend, Jan and I will often take exercise together though it is essentially in the holidays that we come into our own as a family. Holidays abroad are a thing of the past. How could we leave Rosie in the   kennels? Instead we travel to Cornwall or Derbyshire. This year, feeling particularly adventurous, we are travelling to the Isle of Wight.

Self-catering, cottage holidays suit us all very well.  What surprises is the number of such holidays that do not allow dogs. You would think that given that the holidays are in this country and that they are self-catering there would be a large number wishing to take their canine companions.