Newsletter November 2007

Today Dilys-Mae is one year old. She had a brunch party at her favourite restaurant, Giraffe with some of her aunties, uncles and godparents, Amie, Jack, Alex, Coco, India, Alistair and Ted. Dilys tucked into sausage, beans and eggs whilst simultaneously opening presents and being passed around the table to be hugged, kissed and cuddled. Grandma and Grandpa gave her a mouse to ride and two frilly outfits to wear. I am afraid we made a lot of noise and a bit of a mess but the Giraffe staff were SO accommodating and fun. To everyone’s amazement they refused a tip at the end because it was against the Giraffe policy. Apparently unlike most restaurant chains they believe in paying their employees an adequate wage. What a breath of fresh air these people are. To round her day off Dilys went to play on the swings and slide in the park. Happy Birthday Dilys-Mae. We hope you enjoy every moment of your time here.

Help! - I think I am turning into an Institution.

For a photographic exhibition – "Born 1947 – camera press at 60" the National Portrait Gallery specially commissioned a series of images of British ‘notables’ who celebrate their 60th birthday this year. They asked me if I would like my photo taken by a brilliant photographer, Jillian Edelstein. I thought it would be the ideal opportunity to get the definitive picture of me at 60. Also, if I am honest it would enable me to get the bloody thing out of the way in one shot.

I am constantly being asked to do photo shoots but I find them less and less valid or meaningful. Mostly they are variations on the theme of ‘doesn’t she look great for her age’, or ‘how to stay looking young like -’ insert whoever is the comeback flavour, facelift of that particular month. I find it so insulting that after all this time and effort experimenting with feminism that it is STILL all about the way we look and not about who we are! When people say ‘you don’t look your age’ it kind of diminishes all that experience it took to get to this place in your life. I always say that I DO look my age – THIS is what I look like at 60. So I wanted a photo that said it all, that was not superficial, and still lovely to look at – a tall order.

I did a lot of Buddhist chanting prior to the shoot to feel free enough and to create an environment that would allow everyone to be at their most creative and collaborative. Jillian had planned a particular scenario and even hired a location but on meeting it all seemed so contrived and that we had all the material we needed around us at my home. This is where I am surrounded by everything dear to me. I have NEVER had professional people in our home before but I thought as this was a special occasion. It might be OK.

We ended up taking the photos in the old barn where the wood from the felled Wellingtonia is stored to dry. The photo chosen by the National Portrait Gallery speaks volumes, especially if like me you are into symbolism. There is a kind of epic quality about the shot. I love it. It is the quintessential ‘Sandie at 60’.Thank you Jillian.

The exhibition runs until April 2008 at National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place. London WC2. So you have plenty of time to go and see it. I have included a couple of peek teasers.

Oh, I was/am a Northern Rock account holder. Not sure what that says about me but it has been a Rocky Ride and I am looking forward to my loyalty bonus.