Making notes for a column: the People of the Year 2018.

I find that with the exception of the remarkable Dale Vince all are female. Dale I cannot possible add to the many fine words written about you by so many others, so after thanking you for your leadership of my favourite football club I shall concentrate on the fine females who have done so much for our wonderful county.

Dame Janet Trotter is the first. Janet has just stepped down after a triumphant spell as our lord lieutenant. This post was usually held by one of our landed gentry. Janet is not landed, nor would she claim to be “gentry”, citing her humble hard-working upbringing in Kent.

I would suggest she is much more. Her work as the founding vice chancellor at the University of Gloucestershire and as chairman of the Cheltenham and Gloucester Health Authority, gave her total insight to life at every level in this varied county.

At every function, Janet would be warm, supportive, encouraging and acting in a quiet human manner. She would place all attending, royal family or otherwise, totally at ease. I hope this newspaper is read at Highgrove or Gatcombe and word travels east to Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace. Ma’am, your Gloucestershire representative has been top class.

My visit to Wotton-under-Edge highlighted how much local enthusiasts can do. Sarah Watt is a prime mover in independent charity Wotton Community Sports Foundation. So far it has installed a grass rugby pitch, two all-weather pitches, a skate park, two BMX tracks and a car park. More exciting plans are in the pipeline. Renishaw gave the town a 38-acre site and Sarah and her colleagues have set about using it in true Wotton fashion. No whinging that nothing is available, they get on and provide it themselves.

Nell Gifford, the head honcho of Gifford Circus, deserves a cheerful mention. Nell has had a few personal battles to fight, but her circus goes from strength to strength. At the moment I am laid low with respiratory problems, but a refreshing trip to the circus would put me right. It is impossible to leave without a spring in one’s step. I would make Nell a dame, such is her contribution to life.

Finally, Gloucestershire County Cricket Club has their first female president in office: Marie Jouneaux. Marie is known and respected both within the world of Gloucestershire cricket and beyond.