Joan Bakewell has turned 80 years old.  Her book has given me inspiration for my upcoming ‘Autumn’ years.

Joan – a Baroness – is a regular at Hay On Wye Festival of Literature and I was glad to see her appearing again at more than one event this year.

I recommend her book to anyone who enjoys a good read – a really well written good read. Joan’s education and training led her to a freelance career, picking up as many opportunities as possible.  Her list of people she has met is extensive and awesome.  She was the first to be granted an interview with Nelson Mandela on his release from prison… Need I say more?  Joan covers topics such as love, work, names, shame, bodies, values and also on death.

Joan is a little younger than my mother who at 88 still enjoys tea dancing when she can.  Their education, careers and life experiences are very different however.  I come as the next generation and was able in my mid forties to catch up on an education I had to let go at 15.

Shall I write some thoughts on what I leave behind?  I may need to stop my clock to catch up with Joan’s lifetime accomplishments!