HAPPY daze.

Wirral councillors must be cock-a-hoop with the recent upbeat news that the borough is deemed one of the top ten happiest places to live in the UK.

According to the Happy at Home survey by property people Rightmove, the borough is bouncing.

As a one-time copywriter, it is a gift for PR types promoting the region such as the Destination Wirral team.

Granted, we are not yet 'tops' - that goes to Leamington Spa - but third place is something to celebrate and build upon.

Carpe Diem – seize the initiative.

It's fine to wear rose-tinted spectacles while the sun shines.

Wirral beats Harrogate and Richmond-Upon-Thames, two places I have been to many times and they take some beating in the picturesque 'feel good' stakes.

Imagine one day – Wirral being THE happiest place.

Something to write home about as this week we host the World Urban Parks European Congress.

Time to redesign our postcards.

We could tell the world about:

  • Wonderful Willaston 
  • Meols – it's not Marmite 
  • Beautiful Bidston 
  • Heart-warming Heswall 
  • The B's knees – Bromborough, Bebington and Birkenhead
  • Fun in Frankby 
  • Wistful West Kirby
  • Healthy Hilbre

Sir Ken Dodd has always said Wirral is a happy place, so let’s make him Mayor of Merriment.

Hugs all round in Wacky Wallasey Town Hall.

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ONE attraction that would enhance Wirral is the second Children's Museum coming here.

Fake or Fortune co-presenter and art dealer Philip Mould could even donate one of his shoe buckles to a celebrity memorabilia section.

The TV celebrity, who spent considerable time growing up in Wirral like antiques expert Fiona Bruce (there must be something in the water), says visiting the splendid shops in his youth set him on the path to his chosen career.

"It was shoe buckles that sparked my love of the arts as a teenager in Wirral." 

His mum used to send him out to see what collectable bargains he could get. Philip buckled down and now has 300 of them.

So if we had a museum nostalgia section other Wirral stars could donate items from their past; A cricket bat from Ian Botham, an oven glove from Paul Hollywood and Glenda Jackson’s first Shakespeare essay.

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DRAGONS' Den is taking a breather.

Come back soon.

Yet I still feel stricter vetting is needed to avoid time-wasters with ridiculous schemes.

Jenny Campbell, who spent time in Wirral, has had her business patience tested many times.

I, too, have experienced deluded types with mad inventors.

I recall writing a series inviting local innovators to tell us about their trail-blazing products.

One bright spark rang me to say he had come up with 'edible milk cartons.'

I could hear cash registers in my head as I jotted down a poster advert 'cereal thriller.' 

He explained one could eat breakfast then, once the milk had gone, eat the carton for nutrition.

Genius.

Alas, I asked him what stage it was at.

"Oh," said the budding entrepreneur, "I don't know how to make them – it's my idea. That's where you come in ... making it happen."

Cue Benny Hill music.

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IT was 20 years ago this month when I saw a news stand featuring a picture John Denver.

I bought a copy thinking it was about a forthcoming tour.

I was shocked to read the star had died in a plane crash - aged 53.

I had interviewed him a few months earlier.

On Monday, I was deeply shocked to read that comedian Sean Hughes had died after a cardiac arrest at the age of 51.

I interviewed him many times and loved his gentle surreal humour and intelligence.

I believed, like John Denver, his best was yet to come.

Sadly, another star that has left us far, far too early.

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YOU know you have made it when they want to name an insect after you.

Liverpool-born actor Jason Isaacs stars in Death of Stalin, out on Friday, where he plays an evil, ruthless real-life brutal Russian army chief.

Yet he is most famous for playing creepy Lusius Malfoy in the Harry Potter films.

Now Jason has tweeted that a biologist in New Zealand wants to name a wasp after Harry's arch-enemy.

A sting in the tale.

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I AM saddened that the BBC is axing the evening editions of Crimewatch.

Surely we need this type of programme more than ever.

It's a programme we wish we didn’t need but we do.

It's had a powerful 33 year history and helped police and public work together to bring to justice such killers as the James Bulger murderers.

I interviewed Jill Dando and was stunned to hear her own murder on the very programme in 1999.

It is a piece of public service broadcasting that brings results.

I am pleased they are increasing the daytime road shows.

But I would feel even more reassured (like having guards on trains) knowing it's there.

Many people feel less intimidated phoning in information.

"Don't have nightmares," was Nick Ross' catchphrase.

Please think again Aunty Beeb.

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AND finally ... I have something in common with Tom Jones.

Tom has had a hip replacement.

After all that hip-swivelling and the fact that he is 77, Tom should accept wear and tear - it's not unusual.

Peter Grant