Richard Attenborough, the veteran film director, actor and producer, is as active as ever. He chairs a company that is building a film studio in South Wales. He is also a tireless fundraiser, and next month publishes a memoir, Entirely Up To You Darling, written with his friend Diana Hawkins about his life in the film business. He says: “My perfect present will be an exquisite lunch with my wife Sheila at a secluded little restaurant we know in the Alpes-Maritimes under a blazing blue sky.” Lord Attenborough is 85 today. RGT

Other Birthdays

Dr Yvonne Burne, Head, City of London School for Girls, 1995-2007, 61; Michael Clarke, director, National Gallery of Scotland, 56; Lenny Henry, comedian and actor, 50; Michael Jackson, singer, 50; Dick Spring, Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland, 1982-87 and 1993-97, 58.