The older one becomes the quicker the present fades into sepia and the past looms up in glorious technicolour

I've never been drawn to the feminist movement. I was brought up to believe that men had little to do with the home or children - except to bring in the money.

The prize I value most was given to me 60 years ago. I was named the girl with the cleanest fingernails.

Well, I woke up one morning around Christmas, went as far as the shops, and when I got to the corner I felt this violent pain in me left leg. I mentioned it to my daughter and she took me instantly to the hospital. It turned out it was vasculitis. In other words, you can have your leg off.

Once the grammar has been learned, writing is simply talking on paper and in time learning what not to say.

Emotions weren't like washing. There was no call to peg them out for all the world to view.

I am of the firm belief that everybody could write books and I never understand why they don't. After all, everybody speaks. Once the grammar has been learnt it is simply talking on paper and in time learning what not to say.