The film “Notting Hill” had just come out……..

…….when I walked into a steam room in that very locale. Three people were sitting in silence, towels around their waists. Elvis Costello, Dave Allen and Peter Mandelson. I sat down and heard myself say “Blimey, I’m the only one I’ve never heard of” and we began to talk. We’d all enjoyed the film, particularly the man opposite me’s rendition of the theme tune. I actually thought – and this may be heresy to Declan’s devotees – that this was his finest hour. A song far better than anything he’s ever written, sung with a verve and longing that Charles Aznavour never managed. I watched Notting Hill on DVD the other night. It and its theme tune were even better than I remembered. Can you really say that about “Oliver’s Army”?