We have just knocked off our first calendar year in London, and we celebrated by buying tickets for Somerset House. After braving the Embankment to watch the fireworks last year, we had sworn 'never again!', and so the discovery of Somerset was quite handy. This turned out to be most fortuitous, given that 350,000 people swamped the shore and ensured that Waterloo bridge was packed by 2300.

The BBC was hosting their 'New Year's Live' at Somerset and so there was a wee stage, large numbers of cameras and a room on the waterfront full of VIPs. Unfortunately, the entertainment didn't start until 1130, at which point everyone was moving to the balcony, despite one of Auntie's representatives suggesting that we might have a better view via the big screens in the court. Few seemed convinced. And so we ended up with a superb view of the fireworks, and champagne in hand we watched the crush below.

By the time we got back inside the entertainment, such as it was, was over and so we watched the keen souls on the ice. And thinking we had perhaps left enough time for the tube to clear we abandoned our post at 0100. Only to find Waterloo in chaos - all bar one exit was blocked by the Police, and the one open was pandaemonium - no one could get inside, and no one thought to say what was going on.

So we walked. It's probably a sign that we can expect the same from London Underground in 2007, but at a higher price. Jolly good.

But in any case, happy New Year to all, and hope returning to work isn't too stressful!