Congratulations go to Dame Vanessa

It was no surprise that the lovely Joanna Lumley has been made a Dame, but I was glad to see that Oscar-winning actress Vanessa Redgrave has also been given a Damehood.

Vanessa, one of the finest actresses of her generation, was known as much for her left-wing politics as her fine acting. Even though her views were controversial she stuck to her principles regardless of the effect on her career. Congratulations to Vanessa, she so deserves this honour. Diane Silva, Bournemouth