I’m delighted to say that today I achieved an important personal goal …. although one totally unrelated to art. During the week of my eightieth birthday I went rock-climbing. Together with my nephew Forest and two of his friends, George and Rob, I spent a day in the Peak District. To be precise, we were at a crag known as Burbage North. Although I have to admit that I have climbed better in the past, and had to pass on the last route, it has been enormously satisfying. The weather was perfect, the rock was beautiful, and the company was congenial. There is life in the old dog yet! I shall return to art with renewed vigour and purpose tomorrow.