Joan Bakewell must be very tired of answering questions about how she feels to have been described as "the thinking man's crumpet" in the Sixties. Now in her 70s, she said the crumpet "must be a bit stale" by now.

She spoke on behalf of her generation, urging them to continue to be positive and creative, and not merely give in to old age. Having been asked to be on the programme of the same name, she remarked that she didn't want to finally lose the "crumpet" tag only to take up another as a "grumpy old woman".

After tea, cakes and sandwiches were served, she answered a variety of questions precisely, eloquently and honestly. Starting her career by making horse noises with coconuts for radio dramas, she ended up being the first person to interview Nelson Mandela when he was released from Robin Island. Inspirational stuff.