The Dowager Lady Crabtree has been an entertainer and public speaker for nearly 40 years. She has taken part in numerous radio and TV programmes and is writing her third book.

What is your favourite place in Sussex?

East Preston is where I spent many happy times as a child. I am thrilled to be returning there on June 5 to speak at this year’s East Preston Festival.

What do you love most about living in Sussex?

The sea and the Downs. If I have spent a day in London, as soon as the train gets through Lewes, the scenery becomes England’s green and pleasant land and the air gets purer and fresher as you approach the coast. Wonderful.

What advice do you have for your 12-year-old self?

Remember that life is like a good wine, it really does improve with age.

What is your most valued possession?

Two beautiful gowns that belonged to the late Dame Hilda Bracket.

What is your biggest regret?

Wasting too much of my life worrying about things that never actually happened. Once you learn to take things one day at a time, life improves tremendously.

What is your biggest fear?

Losing my memory. I have had so many wonderful experiences, I would hate to reach a stage where I forgot what had happened to me.

What is your proudest achievement?

Being able to make audiences laugh and that people still book me to entertain their club, group or society, after all these years. I feel very privileged that my diary gets fuller every year.

Which five people (living or dead) would you invite to your fantasy dinner party?

Princess Margaret (beautiful and witty), Dr Evadne Hinge and Dame Hilda Bracket (musical and fun), Dame Anna Neagle and Margaret Lockwood (my favourite actresses).

Anything else?

I first spoke to an audience in 1978 thinking it would be a single occasion and yet the invitations have never stopped. I have the motto: If the Queen isn’t free then get Lady C, because I really do get treated like royalty. Visit ladycrabtree.co.uk.

Lady Crabtree is a comedy character played by Paul James