And if I had to name the single quality that separated those who truly thrived from those who merely survived, it wouldn’t be ambition, nor intelligence, it wouldn’t even be resilience, though that does matter enormously.

It would be curiosity.

I want to say something about this phrase “lived experience.” It doesn’t simply mean “being old.” It means something much richer and, I’d argue, much more useful.

Founded in 2014, Music at Stow in Stow-on-the-Wold presents world-class artists at St Edward’s Church, a stunning 12th-century building just a short walk from where I was sitting.

I was at Elstree Film Studios by 8.30am for the Buzz Talent Model Masterclass. Fifty of us in the room, ages ranging from eighteen to the eighties. I loved that. I really did.

COVID took a lot from all of us. The freedom to move and mingle, to pop out for a coffee or a glass of something a bit stronger with a friend.

There are evenings that remind you exactly why you keep saying yes to life. The 4th of March was one of them.

There are evenings that stay with you long after they’ve ended. Saturday night at the Houses of Parliament was one of those evenings.

Today I turn 85. As I reflect on this number, I’m reminded of something I wrote in my book: “I refuse to let a number on my birthday card determine the life I am going to live.”