There are many things in this life capable of throwing people off course - the death of someone close, the loss of income or health, the realisation that cherished hopes cannot always be fulfilled

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.

There are many things in this life capable of throwing people off course - the death of someone close, the loss of income or health, the realisation that cherished hopes cannot always be fulfilled

The vital accessories to my work are my reference books, such as the complete Shakespeare and a prayer book, and a large refuse bin.

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

It is the generation of the unemphatic. Steal, kill, lie, fornicate, but beware of indulging with conviction.

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.