Hogmanay is a special time, for as I am concerned, party animals, or people that are superstitious. I would classify myself being neither of those categories.
Mind you, I move into the former whenever we hook up with our Butlins family. It would be impossible not to. I have always said that it is always a special time whenever we get together.
Normally it would be once every year or two years. But last year those habits changed, and for a very good reason.
2025 was a pivotal moment for Mrs Frankie Boy and me as we were celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary. We never liked to do things according to protocol; you only have to look at our wedding day to see that.
But this was such a momentous time for both of us, so we did not just want to celebrate the day (we certainly did that) but we wanted to do the year.
Starting with a return to the place that kick started it all for me, Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.
Back then in 1980 I was a fresh 17 year old who had returned to the ballroom dancing world after a long hiatus (which involved a lot of singing and a trombone), but that is another story.
That year I was making my first appearance for the Scotland Latin American Formation Team competing in front of a few thousand dancing devotees.
That moment was the springboard to what became a series of life changing events, TV appearances dancing at London’s Albert Hall (amazing venue, lousy dance floor) and then to Butlins in 1982, where fate took over.
In the middle of June that year, we officially became a couple. And in June last year we hit the holiday camp trail again chalets and all, as part of “our year” with the first of our Butlins Family get together at Pontins (where else).
The Entertainment was not a lot to write home about. We made our own entertainment; the Butlins Family are great at that. And we also carved out a bit of a rep as welcome additions to a pub quiz team.
There is a phrase that describes that. I think it begins with an S. What was it again? A yes – smart Alecs. Or something like that.
Then, on the big day, we rounded off “our year” in style when we bit the financial bullet for 5 days in London, which include another Butlins Family get together at the Grand Order of the Water Rats Annual Ball.
And on the day of our anniversary as well. It was the perfect way to celebrate our day and the year, not only being with our Butlins friends, mixing with showbiz royalty and not forgetting the top class entertainment and catering.
We even got a mention at the top table. Would have loved to have got a pic with Basil Brush, but that will be on our must do list if we go to one of those events again.
Never say never.
But our London Adventure was far from over as I underwent some “open wallet surgery” attending a West End Show for the first time. But once I got over the shock, we came to the same conclusion: we were worth it.
We got prime seats for one of our favourite musical “The Phantom of the Opera”. It gets better every time I see it. That was my fourth time. And what made it even more memorable, our seats were directly under the chandelier.
Not only was an amazing show, but there was also the bonus of my good lady looking at the chandelier directly above her, looking decidedly uneasy whenever it moved, especially during the interval.
Looking back on 2025, it will be with so much fondness and affection. They have been plenty of sad moments, and we have had plenty of challenges, especially on the health front, and I have picked up some valuable skills along the way.
But it has strengthened my resolve in my determination that 2026 is going to be a year to remember. You cannot expect things to fall at your feet. If you want something, go out there and get it.
Life is too short. And I am determined to make it happen.
Last year, I learned how to navigate my way using a walking stick whilst keeping the use of my dancing legs. That his going to be a must as I have to make sure I teach Mrs Frankie Boy how to do more than one dance this year.
I am not making that a New Year’s Resolution. Whenever I have tried that, it usually ends up as a to do list during the first two weeks in January.
It is the first day of the new year, and we have already had discussions regarding our goals for 2026, and from my personal point of view, I have several targets to aim for this year.
Last year I pulled on dance shoes for the first time in over 40 years, but I plan to relaunch my Butlins Trilogy later this year and my sixth book, which is scheduled to come out on June 23 this year.
Scottish American Football fans will know the significance of that date.
Then of course there are my broadcasting activities. As well as my weekly shows for More Music Radio, I am looking at the return of my regular production, the “Lunchtime Experience” as well as an additional podcast in the summer.
Not forgetting this website. I always approached it with good intentions, but my varying mental and physical health dictated otherwise.
That part has been sorted, now I can confidently say that 2026 is going to be the year of change. I have decided.
To all of you out there, have a great 2026.