It has been a week of contrasts as far as the question of age is concerned.

First of all, there was the celebration by the University of Sussex of its 40 years of existence - a figure that many of us find difficult to accept since it means that a number of our friends are a good deal older than they like to admit, having been involved with the university for a large part of those 40 years.

That alone is not enough to make them candidates for this column but, of course, it is only a matter of time before that 40 becomes 50 and then in quick succession, 60, 70 and so on.

Not that I expect to be around to celebrate such anniversaries, but I can point to one who might well be if his current form is anything to go by.

Alongside the university's celebrations for a mere 40 years, was the 80th birthday party for Asa Briggs, or Lord Briggs to give him his proper title, a famous former vice-chancellor of the university.

There was a dinner party at the university attended by so many of his friends, that the large dining room was full to overflowing to hear the current chancellor, Lord Attenborough, pay tribute to this distinguished man of letters, who looks like an impudent elf of about half his age.

He wandered around the reception greeting the majority of the guests by name but it was when he rose to respond to the toast that the real quality of the man shone through.

He spoke for some 20 minutes with barely a note, merely an aide memoire for names and dates. His voice was strong and vibrant, which was just as well as he had to do battle with the father and mother of all storms as he spoke.

Even the weather seemed to be congratulating him with bursts of thunder at appropriate moments, like malign applause from the elements.

At an age when many people are ready for a gentle slide into a life of ease, Lord Briggs looks set to go on for many a long day yet. I wonder how many of us who celebrated his 80th birthday will be there for his centenary party? But I wouldn't mind a small bet on his making it!

It was a great evening to honour two great institutions - the university and Lord Briggs.

An institution of another sort, and another age, also celebrated a notable occasion two weeks ago, when the distinguished composer Sir John Tavener joined the audience at St Bartholomews Church to hear the Brighton Youth Orchestra give the world premier of his work Ekstasis especially commissioned for the orchestra.

Sir John, who could be fairly described as being on the lower edge of the Third Age, was clearly delighted by the playing of the young musicians in a concert that showed off the standard that their director of music, Andrew Sherwood, demanded of them.

I was the honorary Press officer for 19 years and spent a number of years as a trustee but I never cease to be amazed at the standards they reach.

Andrew Sherwood has built on the solid foundations set by his predecessor David Gray to produce a splendid orchestra and a number of ensembles and a packed church gave the orchestra and Sir John a reception they deserved.

Few of them go on to be professional musicians but they are a credit to the city at a time when young people are not always the flavour of the month.