Simpson’s-in-the-strand was alight when The Oldie favourites united for a hearty lunch of steak and kidney pie to honour The Oldie of the Year. The winners were nominated by a judging panel that included satirist Craig Brown, Midweeks’ Libby Purves, actress Maureen Lipman, Oldie publisher, James Pembroke and the wit and wordmeister, Gyles Brandreth, who was also our host.

Oldie gongs were handed out to our The Oldie of the Year, Glenda Jackson for her groundbreaking performance as King Lear at the Old Vic last year. Other awards included a ‘Can still do the Splits’ prize to 92 year-old Thelma Ruby; ‘Oldie Scientist of the Year’ to the remarkable 98 year-old James Lovelock; ‘Pop Artist of the Century’ to the creator of the Sgt Pepper record sleeve, Peter Blake; ‘Oldie Should Have Been’ to Bernie Sanders (accepted by his brother, Larry); and ‘Oldie Campaigners of the Year’ to Vanessa Redgrave and Lord Alfred Dubs for their work campaigning to allow unaccompanied child refugees to be offered safe refuge in the UK.

The Oldie of The Year Awards is brought to you by Baillie Gifford.