However, as I may have said before, it’s only on TV that we find grumpy old folk amusing.

In reality, grumpiness just adds to a general air of negativity, is seldom funny and frequently irritating. Positivity on the other hand is always welcome.

This morning, I was in my marvellous local Co-op where the manager was being his usual bright and jaunty self.

Given the howling gale outside and rain thundering down I really appreciated his attitude.

He remarked on the weather but said it would be a great day for surfing at the beach, and went on to say how lucky we were here in Suffolk compared with everyone in Wales and the west country where lots of homes are without power.

Hats off to him. He immediately raised my spirits.

And when I popped back several hours later, he was still there, joking with customers and keeping his staff buoyant and happy. He deserves a medal.

I want to contrast that experience with one that happened last week.

I was in Cromer for a break. The town was busy, with lots of holidaymakers who were nearly all around my age.

It was cold but one of those crisp days........

© Eastern Daily Press