WHEN it comes to my 'bucket list' it's packed full of all those simple, ordinary things in life that can be a joy.

Take football. I had never been to a match. When my son was small I realised he hadn't been either so I sent him off with his father to see a game in Cambridge.

They reported back that it had terrified both of them with its aggression both on and off the pitch, and the policing which bordered on the violent. That was forty years ago.

Now that son reports that as he travels the world football is the one topic that can break down barriers and bring people together.

He has only to mention that he is an Arsenal fan and the most tricky business meeting can turn into a sympathy-fest.

I take my column very seriously so I went into training to write this.

I followed a televised match between Liverpool and Manchester City which was the most exciting thing I had seen since Kung Fu Panda 2.

The commentator said that Liverpool players showed great skill at running, something I thought was a fundamental skill.

But what do I know? Hyacinth, unhampered by knowledge, did say I wasn't to think that every match would be so historic.

I was surprised to find that Accrington Stanley is a real place, thinking it was invented by a radio comedy show.

Believing that getting an outfit right will save any situation, I spent ages winding black wool round some cardboard circles to make bobbles to put on a knitted hat.

And I hit the internet to get some basic background. Wow! There isn't enough time left to me.

So, I focussed on our local heroes. Forest Green Rovers has been described by FIFA as the greenest football team in the world, as well as being the oldest, founded in 1889.

Green and old. I should be all right. It has a young female CEO, Helen Taylor, which encourages me. Because there are some strange things going on in the world of female football.

England Ladies need a new coach. There are more women qualified for that job throughout Europe than men but it looks like a man will get the job.

I arrive early at the new lawn ground. Everyone was so friendly. It is an inclusive place, lovely to see families, and an air of civilised behaviour.

The match! Every bit as exciting as any football game you might see.

Eat your heart out Liverpool. Our lads, initially nervous, had a light-bulb moment.

We can win this, they said. And win it without goal scrambling or fortuitous luck, just good skills and commitment.

I loved each and every one of them but especially Bennett. I chomped my vegan pie, which was delicious, and vowed to knit a matching scarf. A fan is born.

NHS is so much better than it was

I AM tired of hearing that the NHS is 'broken'.

Anyone who uses it knows that it struggles, that conditions can be barely acceptable, and there is never enough of anything.

It survives largely through the generosity and self-sacrifice of the staff and a sort of mutual goodwill.

However, as a 70-year-old, before anyone harks on about the good old days, I have to say it is a million times better than it was 50 years ago.

Bad news gets publicity, but talk to the great majority of people who have been close to the coalface of illness and you will hear about medical expertise, nursing care, and a service that excels.

More money generally helps any situation, and I'm not disputing that the NHS needs as much money as we can find to throw at it.

BUT we spend as much on hospitals as any other comparable country in Europe.

Only USA beats us outright and no one wants their system.

One huge problem here is public expectation bolstered up by promises from left and right which are totally unrealistic. People simply expect too much.

A hospital on every corner, an appointment now, 'me first', and the belief that we should all be able to live forever.

And that 'forever' is whatever we choose to do to our bodies.

Often it is as though we, the public, have no responsibility for any of the NHS problems. We do.

The system is abused and should be respected in a less sentimental way.

That, at least, wouldn't cost more money.