Yes, November 19, 1950, was a big day for me - I was born.

It's party time Saturday with family and friends, including a long-time pal who's primarily a Northern Soul/Motown DJ.

I've asked him to play some Sixties pop, twist stuff, Seventies commercial disco [[Rock the Boat etc, stuff that made the British charts in the 70s, primarily for my wife, who loves it all) but primarily the soul that I began digging when I was 14/15 in the mid-Sixties, the Mod period in my part of the Uk that led to the success of the Twisted Wheel in Manchester, and later the Wigan Casino/Blackpool etc Northern Soul scene.

So there'll be Marvin doing I'll Be Doggone and Ain't That Peculiar; Barefootin, Walking up a one-way street; Girl why you wanna make me blue; Getting mighty crowded; It's all right; I'll always love you, Sweet thing, Baby I've got it... and some of my faves from the 70s - particularly my probable all-time favourite, the Spinners' I'll Be Around. I can't wait.

I've got to count my blessings... marriage for 30 years, children who mostly bring me joy and a full-time job [[at the moment) which I've always enjoyed.

And for the past few years, of course, all you guys as well.