Monday 2nd June 2014

Events are careering. Last week was the 60th birthday of Reggie Cresswell. Exactly one week later comes the 60th Birthday of Robert Nevil. Both were born within one year of Her Majesty’s Coronation, Robert Nevil to the day and both have throbbed at the heart of Our Nation’s life ever since, despite appearances to the contrary.

I must get on with my speech to be given at tonight’s small dinner for Robert Nevil’s birthday plus preparing the song sheets. As well as the dinner itself. Robert Nevil was determined on no celebration of any kind. But I said, ‘This birthday isn’t about you.’

By great good mercy, Joshua Baring is doing two of the courses, so I haven’t got the full burden.