QUITE a few things in the news have caught my eye lately. The first is the debate about what will happen if Kate and William's first child is a girl. Could she inherit?

The prime minster is consulting Commonwealth leaders on whether the 1701 Act of Settlement should be changed to stop the first-born boy taking precedence, even if he has an elder sister.

Honestly, you constitution chappies, why wasn't this discriminatory law sorted out yonks ago?

Even anti-monarchists accept that good Queen Bess put on a good show in the 16th century, while the present Queen has done a sterling job and is still working hard in her 80s.

I've nothing against boys becoming kings - after all, Colin Firth made a great one once he sorted out this stammer - but surely future heirs should not inherit because of their gender. How about a new law which says all first-born royals should be called Elizabeth? That should solve it.

Next, can you believe that a female prefect at a public school was expelled after she was caught in a 'clinch' with a boy pupil?

In the 1960s and 70s, even students aged 18-plus had to get permission at some colleges to be out late. Before that, students had to drag their beds outside the door if 'entertaining' a member of the opposite gender - as if that would stop them doing anything!

But, really, in this sexually charged world where youngsters are bombarded daily with explicit images and given sex education from an early age, it's quite ridiculous to expel someone for doing what comes naturally. She was 17 after all, not 12.

I've just read on, and discovered Wellington School was founded by Queen Victoria in 1856 for orphans of army officers. Now I understand.

Another great queen, but not one who will be remembered f or her backing of a more broad-minded society.

Finally, how sad that one of the oldest buildings in the borough, which is 'protected' by English Heritage, is constantly being stripped of its lead roof tiles.

St Mary the Virgin in Hayes is losing money, suffering serious damp damage and having to cover its roof with a tarpaulin because of selfish idiots who see an easy way to a few quid.

Surely someone - police, residents, church-goers, Hillingdon Council - could install CCTV there? If not, why not?