PRIDE as we know comes before a fall, so when I stumbled up the steps to the pulpit of Bonn Square Baptist Church the prophecy was fulfilled.

The minister, the Rev Kat Bracewell, had invited me to read one of the lessons at the Carols by Candlelight service on Sunday last. The Baptists and the New Life Covenant Church, which uses the Bonn Square church once a week, were combining for the event.

There was me, a sinner from the suburbs, mounting the steps of the oldest nonconformist church in the city. I felt honoured.

The trouble was, in the darkness I missed my footing but clung to my Bible and the pencil light needed to read the text. Perhaps no one noticed, even though I’m sure I heard a snigger from one of the youngsters near the front.

Balance and dignity restored, I did the reading – it was the bit about Caesar Augustus imposing taxes and Joseph and Mary finding no room at the inn in downtown Bethlehem. You know the piece, I’m sure.

It was only on Tuesday I realised that my faux pas had not gone unnoticed when David Stevens, a lifetime stalwart of the church, mentioned he was pleased I hadn’t hurt myself. He was sitting at the back. Everyone must have noticed!

* IT’S only a couple of hundred yards from the church to the New Theatre where on Tuesday The Rocky Horror Show will resume until the weekend.

The cast and company have had a break from their own brand of naughtiness and fun. Just the thing to prepare you for the New Year.

I have said this time without number, how fortunate we are to have so many live theatre locations in and around the city with the New, the Playhouse, the Burton Taylor, the Old Fire Station and the Pegasus all serving up quality entertainment.

TWO men were discussing loudly what they were – or rather were not – buying their respective partners for Christmas. One was making it quite clear that expensive bling was out, while the other felt a season ticket for a local spa was somewhat over the top.

I couldn’t see their faces. They were occupying neighbouring cubicles in the Market Street men’s lavatory.

* FINALLY while wishing everyone the happiest of Christmasses, may I ask the MD in the Sky to look especially favourably on my boyhood and all-time hero Sir Roger Bannister who has been feeling somewhat under the weather?

This year has been a joy for our nation’s athletes at both sets of Olympic Games.

He lit the fire for running in my generation and those that followed.

Thank you, Sir Roger.