‘Too young’ for Oldie award

I CHAIR ‘The Oldie of the Year Awards’, where we honour people of a certain age who still have what might be described as ‘snap in their celery’.

So last year, post the pandemic lockdown, I wrote to the Queen’s private secretary to ask whether Her Majesty might consider accepting the Oldie of the Year Award.

A witty reply was sent to me from Balmoral Castle on August 21, 2021: ‘Her Majesty believes you are only as old as you feel.

‘As such, the Queen does not believe she meets the relevant criteria to be able to accept and hopes you will find a more worthy recipient.

‘This message comes to you with Her Majesty’s warmest best wishes.’