The Oldie

The idea for the Oldie was cooked up 25 years ago by its founding editor, Richard Ingrams, and his much-lamented successor, the late Alexander Chancellor. Their aim was to create a free-thinking, funny magazine, a light-hearted alternative to a press obsessed with youth and celebrity. The Oldie is ageless and timeless, free of retirement advice, crammed with rejuvenating wit, intelligence and delight. With over 100 pages in every issue, The Oldie is packed with funny cartoons and free-thinking and intelligent articles covering a wide range of topics – from gardening and books to travel, arts, entertainment, and so much more.

The Oldie

The Old Un’s Notes

Among this month’s contributors

NOT MANY DEAD • Important stories you may have missed

In Absentia

Bliss on Toast • Quick, easy, comforting and delicious suppers

Jeremy Lewis Prize for New Writing 2021

Michael Caine, king of the Muppets • I so hope the unique, brilliant actor will return to the screen

A matter of park-life and death • Power walkers and happy couples bring on morbid thoughts

End of the line • Now working from home, Benedict King says a fond farewell to commuting after 17 years

My debt to Mr Rigsby • Rising Damp creator, Eric Chappell, adored Leonard Rossiter, a loyal, frenetic genius

Where there isn’t a will • When Great-Uncle George died, he left behind a mourning family – and financial chaos.

WHAT WERE the Observer’s Books?

WHAT ARE middle-aged millennials?

My Parliamentary sketches • Nicholas Garland drew Telegraph journalists in editorial conferences for 40 years. And then one of them ended up running the country

My gilt-edged cuttings book • After 60 years as a journalist, Ray Connolly recalls a regretful Elvis, a revealing Dusty Springfield and a charming Terry Wogan

When justice sleeps • Former Supreme Court Justice Simon Brown recalls dozy Lord Denning and other sleepy judges

Grey’s elegy in a Welsh churchyard • Professor Roy Foster gave this address at the Powys funeral of Grey Gowrie, politician, poet and blithe spirit

The forgotten movie star • Laurence Harvey was a vulgar, insecure chancer but he was funny and honest about his many faults, says his friend David Ambrose

The show must go on • As Barry Humphries returns to the stage, he recalls the joys of the 16 West End theatres he’s acted in since 1959

Flaming-hot tips for a roaring fire

Mary must learn to love my European hornets

When Irish eyes weren’t smiling • The radio shows of my youth loved banning saucy songs, says Mary Kenny

Yanks dress better than limeys • As an Englishman in New York, I’ve learnt to love American clothes

My fight with Mother left me panting • Why does she insist on ironing my smalls? I prefer non-stiff briefs

My pupils are free at last – on Dartmoor

Quite Interesting Things about … December

Pray for those in peril on the sea

The Marchioness of Dufferin and Ava (1941-2020)

You can be fat and fit • Taking exercise is more important and effective than eating less

READERS’ LETTERS • The Oldie, 23-31 Great Titchfield Street, London, W1W 7PA letters@theoldie.co.uk To sign up for our e-newsletter, go to www.theoldie.co.uk

Stevie Smith

Jimmy Jewel vs Hylda Baker

Patricia Highsmith: Her Diaries and Notebooks 1941-1995

George V: Never a Dull Moment

The Battle of London 1939-45: Endurance, Heroism and Frailty Under Fire

The Hidden Case of Ewan Forbes

From Pole to Pole PAUL BAILEY • How to Start Writing (and When to Stop)

Sybil & Cyril: Cutting through Time

CRESSIDA CONNOLLY

The dark side of the White House •...