Happy 70th Richard

Dear Richard,

Happy 70th Birthday, old man. Did I say 'old man'? I can't even remember my 70th and no, it's not Alzheimers. It's because the last 12 years have been so good. The best is yet to come, Richard.

But, word of advice, use every piece of condescension you get. Take the seat they offer. And the lift in the car. And the special piece of cake. And the travel concessions, etc. People are wonderful. Now they will spring to attention when you get on public transport and fight for you to take their seat. Little do they know that you could probably run alongside the bus.

I look back on many good times we have spent together (each of course in our own epistemologies!!), from the pig farm at Hawkesbury to the talks at TEC, the happy meals and music hours, the special family events like Fiona's wedding and Luca's first birthday, catching up in London and the unique privilege of being introduced to Cawsand and the family farm in Cornwall.

Helen and I both value your friendship and look forward to future activities, particularly, I may say, to our golf game around Christmas.

Very best wishes for many good times ahead.

Phil and Helen

London