ANYONE FOR TENNIS, CRICKET, FOOTBALL..?

This is the time of the year when grand-parenting duties and grand-parenting visits are taking place up and down the country. But if you think this is the time for relaxation - then think again. When you get the invitation to go on holiday with children and grand-children it sounds like a challenge you shouldn't turn down; by the time the week or fortnight is over you are exhausted - and needing a real holiday.

The problem is that grandchildren, especially the pre-teens, don't realise that you can't play tennis like Roger Federer, cricket like Flintoff or football like Beckham. It's flattering to know that you have a reputation for fun and activity but the truth is nowhere near the image. It's tiring and exhausting just trying to keep up with all that's going on and finally you finish up counting the hours and days when you are back in the quiet and comfort of your own home.

Of course we all get a lot of pleasure from grand-children - most of the time - but it's just as enjoyable putting your feet up after they've gone. That is when we all have time to think about what sort of a world they will inherit. What are we leaving them?

The poverty, violence, sadness and hardship which were all part of wartime Britain are still with us. The answers have not been found and there seem no solutions to these problems, certainly not in the short term. We tried, or some did, and failed. Today there will be crowds lining the streets of Wootton Bassett to pay homage to young, brave men who lost their lives in Afghanistan. Memories of World War Two will still be there for the older people paying their silent respects. Where have we gone wrong?

Our young people, our grandchildren, are ambitious, enthusiastic and determined. They are innocent now but so were we once upon a time. We have to hope that they are not disillusioned by what is happening in the world today and feel inspired and excited by the future. Individually we may be proud of what we have achieved in the past 70 years; collectively we have fallen short of the goals and targets that we set ourselves in the pre-war years.

The banner passed to our children; now it goes to their children - to our grandchildren. They can still imagine becoming second Federers, Flintoffs and Beckhams. Let's hope they succeed at that and in the wider world arena of life.