I've been asked to write an article for the Activate magazine about green events and where else could I go for inspiration but to NewlyWeds-UK Ethical weddings blogger Katie Fewings. She told me an inspirational story about Russell and Alexia who planned a fabulous Cornish green wedding

It's a wonderful story, but one comment jumped out at me. Woodworker, Perry Bond (referring to the wooden wedding rings he made for the couple) said "You have to look after them, and polish them, like a good marriage."

What a great analogy. We've been busy with builders this year and the wood on our house and garden items is in serious need of some TLC. It's getting a bit dry and grey - but thankfully I know that if I rub it down and oil it or seal it, then the subtle beauty will be evident again.

Jilly Cooper wrote that Labradors go prematurely grey from worrying where the next meal is coming from! My black Labrador, Sam, is living proof of this. Don't get me wrong, I think silver hair can be stunning (on some people more than others - the Bible calls it your crowning glory!) but when a relationship is neglected, loses its lustre and becomes grey and colourless it takes a lot of coaxing back to life.

Abrasive material doesn't help at all; soft soaping is often counter-productive (though again the Bible advises that a soft answer turns away wrath - useful little book) and you might have to pour a lot of healing oil in to rescue it. And, finally, a loving massage with reassuringly warm hands never goes amiss... So make sure you winter-proof your marriage with some TLC and keep a loving hands-on approach and hopefully the rot will never set in.