Gareth Williams, Professor of Medicine at Bristol University, is writing a book about polio. He will celebrate today by cooking supper for his wife and friends. RGT
Birthdays today
Pat Albeck, textile designer, 82; Sir William Aldous, a Lord Justice of Appeal, 1995-2003, 76; Jeff Banks, fashion designer, 69; Sir Donald Barron, chairman, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 1981-96, 91; Pattie Boyd, model, 68; Sir John Chalstrey, consultant surgeon, 81; Lee Dixon, football pundit, 48; Lesley-Anne Down, actress, 58; Michael Finnissy, composer, 66; William Gibson, writer, 64; Clare Grogan, actress, 50; Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, yachtsman, 73; John Lill, pianist, 68; Penelope Lively, writer, 79; Rob Lowe, actor, 48; Rory McGrath, comedian, 56; Sir Ramsay Melhuish, diplomat, 80; Professor Patrick Mollison, haematologist, 98; Sir Stuart Rose, chief executive, M&S, 2004-10, 63; Kurt Russell, actor, 61; Galina Samsova, ballerina, 75; Sir Patrick Sergeant, journalist, 88; Max Stafford-Clark, theatre director, 71; Sir Anthony Vineall, chairman, School Teachers’ Review Body, 1996-2002, 80; Michael Whitaker, showjumper, 52.