Main focus is at the moment bringing my book on servants to a happy close before submitting to the publishers; it is such a riveting subject and has led me on some amazing journeys. Christmas seemed to come and go in a flash, highpoints being in London and later staying with my family the annual carol service when everyone in my father’s village goes to sing carols to the animals in the nearby farm. Sheep and donkeys are brought up to the front of the church as well. I have been reading piles of books, and doing some interesting interviews with country house owners and retired and current staff.

Spend some time with two old friends, who have pre and post war memories of childhood in country houses, and one stresses to me that it was only the servants who taught her anything about human relationships, about love and affection, and how they have remained close friends to this day.