During this most English of months when The Chelsea Flower show is in full bloom, is when I miss our beautiful shops in London the most.

In 2007 I wrote a book called ‘A Guide to Natural Housekeeping’. Within the pages were chapters on subjects such as cleaning without chemicals, recycling, the wardrobe and many others besides.

I live in dread. In dread of being invited to a party. But much, much worse than an expensive envelope containing a thick card invitation plopping onto the doorstep, is the absence of an invitation.