IT was a friend of mine who said he saw a First Aid station in Norwich city centre which was sporting the sign “Closed due to cuts”.

I’m not totally convinced he’s telling the truth though he might be.

Anyway I’m no economist and much of what’s going on is beyond my limited intellectual prowess but even I know that the balloon has gone up and most of what appeared to be economic growth was an illusion.

But in the meantime I haven’t been affected too much by the cuts – it appears to me it is for people with children, OAPs and anyone who enjoys pastry.

In fact, apart from the dreadful economic news, life has its ups as well.

And this week, dear readers, I have had a spot of good news thrown into the mix.

As regular readers will know I am a big fan of the Queen and all the Royal family – though Princess Michael of Kent leaves me a bit cold – and earlier this year I applied for tickets to see Her Majesty celebrate 60 years on the throne.

I entered a ballot and my name was plucked.

So I shall be going to London on Tuesday, June 5 to sit somewhere near the Victoria Memorial and watch the carriage procession to and from St Paul’s Cathedral followed by a balcony appearance.

How exciting.

I am taking my sister Claire, who enjoys Royal things too, and we have to be there by 9.30am and can’t leave until it’s all over, toilets are provided and we can’t take umbrellas.

We have to take two forms of ID – obviously my fame doesn’t spread beyond the Felixstowe peninsula where I have a small flat with sea views (distant).

We shan’t, I have been informed, be entering the palace so unfortunately I shan’t be able to get an interview with our Queen or have a nose around her kitchen cupboards.

Naturally I shall be writing about the experience in the pages of The Star.

According to the organisers: “The Queen and Prince Philip will be using the 1902 State Landau. Other carriages are to be confirmed and may depend on the weather.

“There will be big screens to allow ticket holders to watch live coverage of the day’s events. Military bands will also be marching along the ceremonial routes. The seats will offer a great vantage point from which to enjoy the atmosphere of the day. Food and drink will be available to purchase from concession stands.”

So no need for a picnic though I might take a sausage roll or a slice of quiche – if I can afford the pastry.