Surgeons can be a barrel of laughs

What a way to recover from all the Christmas Day excesses.

I am referring to the traditional ‘barrel rolling’ race at Grantchester which beat the snow and ice on Boxing Day.

It was fantastic being among more than 1,000 people who took part in the event which dates back to the 1960s.

I have to say it took a lot of concentration and a fair amount of puff but the atmosphere was wonderful.

It was also very successful with my team, Trumpington, winning the inter-village race and crowned county champions.

Naturally, my job is quite intensive and demanding but I try and switch off where I can. Admittedly, this doesn’t always involve something as strange as barrel rolling, but it was great fun and a great way to spend Boxing Day.

It just leaves me to wish you a Happy New Year. May 2011 be a happy, prosperous and successful one for you all.