MEN may be forgiven for forgetting anniversaries, birthdays or even Christmas, but God help them if they forget the most romantic day in the year Valentine's Day.=

Although chocolates may be munched in seconds and flowers may wither and die in days, most women don't care what they get on February 14 as long as they get someone's affections on the big day and are not left waiting for the postman to deliver.

This yearly event started off innocently when St Valentine restored the sight of his jailer's blind daughter and the night before he died wrote a farewell note signed "From your Valentine".

His simple gesture has set a precedent for millions of men who are now obliged to send their loved ones tokens of their esteem.

There will be more than 22 million Valentine cards sent on Thursday but are they sent for an easy life or to show heartfelt affections? Are there still Romeos and Juliets living in Bucks or is romance dead?

Bill and Jean Williams, who live in High Wycombe, say they only got married on Valentine's Day 60 years ago at All Saints Church, High Wycombe, because it was the only time Bill could get leave from the RAF.

Mrs Williams, 83, said:"I don't even know if I knew it was Valentine's day. But my family have always remembered it. Everyone remembers it. But it was still romantic and a lovely day and the sun shone and it was great.

"Bill wrote to my mum and dad to say he wanted to marry me and then wrote to me. He said his leave was in February and wanted to get married. Because it was wartime he sent £8 to me to buy a wedding ring from Walkers in Wycombe High Street."

She added: "I suppose we do always celebrate it, we always know when it is and everyone sends us lots of cards."

She also said that she still has a piece of the lily-of-the-valley flower spray she wore on her big day.

The manager of Pollenation in the Cornmarket, High Wycombe, thinks that romance is alive and well as business is certainly booming at this time of year.

Manager Nigel Rees said: "Romance is definitely alive today. More and more people are coming into the shop. We used to do two grades of bouquets and people that want to be romantic were not buying the lower grade and just wanted the best. We don't really sell the lower grades. There is also a great demand for roses.

"For 12 it costs £55 in a hand-tied bouquet but when I went to London they were around £80.

"I think it is a very important day and it is a shame it is not done throughout the year. It is nice to know there are still people around who still go for it."

Bernard Burger, who owns Burgers of Marlow confectionery shop in The Causeway, Marlow, said it is still a popular day.

He added: "We have seen an increase in the last two or three days. We sell chocolate hearts and we make them."

He said romance will never stop and added: "We sell about 400 per cent more than we normally would but only over a short period. This year we haven't done any heart shaped cakes and we will do some nearer the time."

But even the fire brigade are jumping on the Valentine bandwagon and have sent out messages about how to express your love for your loved one. Assistant Divisional Officer Peter Jones said: "Buy them a smoke alarm. For under £5 you can give them a gift that says "I could never live without you."

However the lads do add that most recipients might not find a smoke alarm romantic so they recommend sending a dozen red roses with it.

On the flip side it is food for thought that a dog food company's survey shows that canine lovers would rather spend their Valentine's Day with their dog than a human. There was even evidence that dog lovers were privileged in the bedroom with 42 per cent saying they let their dog sleep in their love nest.

February 14, 2002 13:38