and president of the Booksellers Association and book shop owner Fleur Sinclair discussing their favourite books and this year’s must-read publications, enabled me to relax and enjoy the show.

Next up, our panel discussion which took a serious look at ageism and representation, without being stuffy. I completely agree with Prof. Carolyn Mair’s response to my question on the importance of representation, ‘People do want to see themselves represented in fashion and in beauty. They want to see people who look like them. We hear it over and over again, but these are not the people who hold the budget. The fashion industry has gone backwards, I would say, not only with ageing, but also with body types, body shape. Around 10 years ago, as you said, Alyson, you know, we were seeing much more diversity on the catwalk. It’s gone back to very skinny, very young models, and it’s problematic. We need older people behind the camera as well as in front of the camera.’

Then onto the Style Session with Jo Hooper the founder of NRBY Clothing and designer Tracey Boyd. Both are in their 60s, have worked in the fashion industry for decades and know what women want. Let’s take a moment to appreciate Jo’s embroidered linen coat… ( And yes, I might want one of those).

And if you’re wondering what I wore for this very special occasion… I opted for Gentlewoman Style. Initially tempted to buy something new, I reached for old favourites instead. The pale gold blazer is a Dries Van Noten sale bargain; bought at a greatly reduced price from Liberty, when we came out of lockdown and were allowed out again. The pleated YMC trousers are the Keaton silhouette. The cotton, short-sleeved, frill neck shirt is from the Uniqlo and Comptoir de Cotonniers collaboration ( bought earlier this year and subsequently sold out). Now, the loafers actually are a recent purchase. I had been looking for a pair of classic tan loafers, but then I went into one of the Grenson stores, tried on a couple of pairs and decided on the fancier two-tone design. Please note that although Grenson were one of the events sponsors, I bought the shoes myself.

Then we had the opportunity to kick back, have a glass and mingle. Such a gratifying day – and the good news is there will definitely be more TNMA: LIVE! events. I’m so pleased that the inaugural get-together was a resounding success, and we have received some lovely feedback. Women of our generation want to get out and get away from our screens; we want to socialise with like-minded people, to do something worthwhile and interesting and enjoyable.

Organising an event is a very time-consuming process (and a steep learning curve!) and we are a very small team. It’s basically, me and my very part-time deputy Helen. So, I need to figure out how we can do this without being overloaded and pulled away from the day-to-day running of TNMA. While keeping costs down. We have a variety of ideas, so if there are any events organisers out there who are willing to work for mate’s rates, please get in touch!

A special thank you to all our sponsors, we couldn’t have put on the event without the generosity of NRBY Clothing, Grenson and Balance Me ( don’t forget, the skincare brand’s exclusive offer for TNMA readers is on until 30 June 2025). Thanks also to the brilliant vintage furniture company Merchant & Found for loaning four chic, midcentury stools for us to sit on! ( See above). Huge thanks to Team TNMA, including: my good friends Hat and Ruth who offered to help out on the day, they made superb meeter-and-greeters and enabled everything to run smoothly. Thanks also to my deputy Helen who helped pull everything together (at the same time as arranging her wedding!). And finally to all the loyal TNMA supporters for turning up and turning this into the most splendid get-together. That’s Not My Age would not exist without you.