Gloria, on the other hand, is an incurable romantic. She's been complaining lately that he never buys her flowers or takes her anywhere nice. He can't understand a woman's logic, sometimes. Didn't he take her to that posh restaurant for their silver wedding anniversary in 1999? Cost him an arm and a leg, too. Flowers, well, they're another thing - waste of time in Harry's book - and (if his memory serves him correctly) they make him sneeze.



It seems, though, that Gloria's not to be beaten on this occasion. Valentine's Day's on the horizon - she's saying that she wants a romantic break and insists that a romantic break she will have, even if she has to drag him away, kicking and screaming.

Harry knows when he's defeated. He settles down to watch the football, while an excited Gloria checks out the Internet for a suitable venue. Very soon, she's found it - a beautifully quaint, converted 16th century inn situated in the very heart of historic Stratford-upon-Avon, the city famous for Shakespeare and his plays and romantic sonnets. Booking couldn't be easier and now all she needs to do is to convince Harry that he will have a great time.

As they head towards Warwickshire, Harry's still unenthused. He's not into all that soppy poetry stuff, and besides, there's the Six Nations match on Saturday. He'd had his heart set on relaxing in his armchair, with his slippers on and a few cans by his side. Typical.

On arrival at the inn, Harry and Gloria are shown to their room which is in the original, 16th century part of the hotel. Even Harry can't fail to be impressed by the olde-worlde charm and elegant furnishings. The room has a huge, soft bed with crisp, white linen, its own ensuite bathroom, direct dial telephone, colour TV (a bit of a small screen, maybe, thinks Harry, but never mind), along with a host of other amenities and 24 hour room service.

To set the mood, Gloria has arranged for them to be greeted with a bottle of champagne and chocolates - very welcome after a long drive. Things are starting to look better, much better.

Better still for Harry when he discovers that the hotel has been an Ale House since 1640 and has two bars serving a fine, extensive range of beers with original ales on hand pumps. He can hardly believe his luck when he learns that one of the bars boasts a large screen TV especially for screening sporting events - and it's open all day! Hallelujah!

As they enjoy a refreshing beer in the atmospheric bar, Harry's eyes are drawn as if by hypnosis towards the TV and Gloria suggests that a little compromise is called for. She will endure the rugby with him, if he'll agree to share a cosy, romantic meal in the restaurant afterwards. Harry agrees.

Several beers later, now on first name terms with several other guests and very happy with the result of the Six Nations match, Harry escorts Gloria contentedly to the warm, wood-panelled restaurant. Together they enjoy a first class meal and as they sip their coffee, Gloria thinks she must be imagining things, as Harry seems to be a little misty-eyed. Suddenly, he leaves the table, disappears for a couple of minutes, then returns with his hands behind his back. As he sits back down, stifling a sneeze, he presents Gloria with a perfect, single red rose, leans over the table and plants a kiss on her cheek.

As they snuggle up later, Gloria smiles as she realises that, yes, her Harry can be romantic, after all. Meanwhile, Harry drifts off into a deep slumber, dreaming of that winning drop goal by Jonny Wilkinson. What an emotional moment that was... really brought a tear to his eye.