Today’s birthdays

Sir Brian Pearse, Chairman, Lucas Varity plc, 1994-98, is 88;

Sir Roy Strong, writer and historian, 86; Dame Sarah Goad, Lord-lieutenant for Surrey, 1997-2015, 81; Baroness O’neill of Bengarve, Chairman, Equality and Human Rights Commission, 2012-16, 80; Mr Ted Maidment, Headmaster of Shrewsbury School, 1988-2001, 79; Lord Lilley, former Conservative Government Cabinet Minister, 78;

Dame Glynne Evans, former diplomat, 77; Mr Geoff Thompson, Chairman, Football Association, 1999-2008, 76; Sir Mark Hedley, a former High Court Judge, 75; Mr Willy Russell, author, 74; Mr Geoff Capes, former athlete; former British and Commonwealth shot put champion, 72; Dr Sir Andrew Pocock, former diplomat, 66;

Prof Simone Buitendijk, Vice-chancellor of Leeds University, 63; Mr Patrick Derham, Head Master, Westminster School, 2014-20, 62;

Dr David Landsman, former diplomat, 58; Mr Richard Illingworth, ICC umpire; former cricketer, 58; Mr Jim Murphy, former Labour Government Cabinet Minister, 54; and Ms Saskia Clark, sailor; Olympic gold medallist, 470 sailing class, Rio 2016; silver medallist, London 2012, 42.

Today is the anniversary of the Battle of the Mons in 1914.