You know that well worn phrase ‘We must meet for a catch up.’

We’ve all said it haven’t we? To friends, acquaintances, former schoolfriends etc

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But time goes by and the catch up never happens does it? Now, I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions, but I decided that it was time to make good on those ‘catch up’ promises.

Reporter Sue Plunkett (right) with her pal Helen during a New Year catch up at Burnley's Towneley Park.

placeholder image — Reporter Sue Plunkett (right) with her pal Helen during a New Year catch up at Burnley's Towneley Park.

The catch ups started even before the old year ended, on December 30th, with a friend of 15 years standing. Our friendship blossomed after our sons became best friends at primary school. Over the years, we’ve been through a lot together and Michelle has always been a real rock. She’s 20 years younger than me but is very wise and always has sage advice when needed. She’s brought up two children single handedly and she has raised two remarkable young adults who are a credit to her.

The second catch up was with a former colleague, and we actually spent the day together, talking, shopping, eating and laughing. Julie and I are almost complete opposites. She is sensible, measured and patient… and I’m not!

We struck up a friendship when we worked together a decade ago. I was in a bit of a state after a messy break up and Julie was the voice of reason, the one who said ‘You will feel better if you wipe your tears away and get on with your job.’ Harsh maybe, but very true and I will be forever grateful to Julie for pulling me, almost literally, through such a rough time.

Catch up three was with one of the most elegant ladies I know. Always immaculately dressed with her hair and nails done to perfection.

Barbara is 86, a former professional dancer with a real zest for life. We met when I wrote a tribute piece about her late husband Roy Hardacre who served in the Battle of Britain in the RAF during World War Two. Barbara met Roy late in life and they had 10 happy years together. It really was love at first sight for them both.

You know when you just click with someone? That’s what happened with myself and Barbara. She doesn’t let age stop her from doing anything she wants and I find that positive attitude absolutely inspirational.

Catch up number four was with perhaps one of my ‘coolest’ friends. Helen worked in PR for some of the best known names in the music industry and she has some amazing stories to tell. We met around 10 or 12 years ago when I interviewed her mum, who had written a book.

Helen bounded into the office with her flowing red hair and easy quips and jokes and again, we may be very different, but we hit it off instantly.

Helen is one of these women who is very low maintenance, she can live in a yurt without running water or electricity and absolutely love it. But me, I would be asking where do I plug in my hairdryer?

We had a wholesome walk round Towneley Park and put the world to rights, well almost, and vowed we would meet again soon. And I believe we will because good friends are hard to come by and really are one of life’s blessings.