“That's one of the first things you learn, to organise your time to the nth degree. Parkinson's Law, work stretches over the time you have … very true. Now that the children are at boarding schools and we've moved into town, things are easier. But I make a point of getting along on all speech days and visiting days.
“I've got a housekeeper but I still do the cooking myself … rush in, peel the vegetables, put the roast in … all before I take off my hat. There are all sorts of minor emergencies to cope with, things women at home all day build up into mountains. But a job, outside interests, keep these emergencies firmly in proportion.
“One has to think about one's appearance, but it's difficult with so little time. I make time for the hairdresser … I feel depressed when I look awful. Clothes? One has to make quick decisions again. Hard, but probably in the right proportion.”