It's not Christmas without this film

When I was a little girl, TV at Christmas time was pretty predictable. On Christmas Day, there would be a James Bond film and the Queen's speech. On Boxing Day, there was The Wizard of Oz, which first hit the cinema screens in 1939 and in black-and-white and glorious Technicolour.

Well, this year, by chance, I came across The Wizard of Oz on Channel 5 and it was glorious. I'd not seen it in years but it didn't fail to enchant. It was like slipping into comfortable slippers. The familiar characters and faces, the songs, the changing from the dull, everyday life to the colourful world "beyond the rainbow"... 

My favourite character was the scarecrow, a gentle character. 

But what always sets off my tears is listening to the clear voice of Judy Garland singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow", a song of innocence and longing for a better future. That's one sentiment we can all support - a better future for all.

Let's hope that 2024 brings with it a better future for everyone!