An honours system that is worthy of its name would have handed Kevin Sinfield a knighthood.
The rugby league legend has more than fulfilled the criteria required to receive one. He has excelled on the pitch, captained club and country, is a highly respected coach and raised millions for motor neurone disease charities in memory of his friend Rob Burrow.
When knighthoods and damehoods are sprinkled around like confetti on politicians it makes it all the more incomprehensible, some would say insulting, that Kevin has not been recognised in the same way.
It is difficult not to suspect the hand of snobbery at work here. Not a single player or coach from rugby league has been knighted in the sport’s 130-year history. By contrast, nine rugby union players and more than 20 cricketers have been made sirs.
Yet again the secretive committee which ultimately decides who and who does not merit an honour has acted dishonourably.
Dental decay
It is bad enough that one in four adults is unable to see an NHS dentist.
But it is even worse that private practices are exploiting this by ramping up prices.
Since 2022 the cost of an extraction has increased by 32%. Patients are paying as much as £775 for root canal work, £435 to have a tooth out and £325 for a white filling.
That is, if they can afford it. For many, these costs are beyond their means, leaving the choice of suffering in silence or DIY dentistry.
The government promised to fix the crisis in NHS dentistry but it will take time to reverse the damage done by their Tory predecessors.
For many, these improvements cannot come soon enough.
Wet January
The New Year was ushered in with storms and heavy rain across Britain.
And they are forecasting worse weather to come. Looks like even those marking Dry January will be in for a soaking…