Laurence Keen says he is spending some time perfecting bread-and-butter puddings now that he has retired as county archaeological officer for Dorset and become a consultant. “There are so many things you can add to the mixture besides currents,” he says. “Anything fruity works, you know.” He was President of the British Archaeological Association for 15 years until 2004, and says: “I was the longest-serving president since their foundation in 1843.” He is interested in preserving medieval floor tiles and is currently writing a report about the Princess Ham development site in Exeter where people recently queued for days to reserve apartments. He is finding the consultant’s life to be “busy and varied” and adds: “It’s so pleasant to be one’s own boss — I want more of it . . .” On his birthday he is going out to dinner with friends in Dorchester. Laurence Keen is 64 today. RGT
Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Alcock, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Logistics Command, 1994-96, 71; Giorgio Armani, fashion designer, 73; Nadeem Aslam, novelist, 40; the Right Rev Richard Chartres, Bishop of London, 60; Robert Compton, chairman, Time-Life International, 1979-90, 85; Professor Ian Craft, obstetrician and gynaecologist, 70; Peter de Savary, entrepreneur and yachtsman, 63; Lord Janner of Braunstone, MP for West Leicester, 1974-97, 79; Lord Levy, president, Jewish Care, 63; Peter D. Robinson, deputy secretary, Lord Chancellor’s Department, 1982-86, 81; G.D. Slaughter, headmaster, University College School, 1983-96, 70; John Stride, actor, 71; John Swift, Rail Regulator, 1993-98, 67; Reg Varney, comedian, 91; Gough Whitlam, Prime Minister of Australia, 1972-75, 91.