I know that the line between private and public has always been flexible. I also recognise that some people suggest our current desire to share ‘all’ on the social media is in fact a guise for another public self. But – there is something deeply pleasing to be in contact with people who are willing [for example] to share their grandchildren, show their travels, try out their humour, give vent to their passions, and unveil their creativity. Barbara and I often talk about our memories – as you do at our ages. We describe our very different childhoods. Barbara’s was a Welsh mining village. Mine was a Lancashire cotton town. But in memories and social media alike genuine, sincere, authentic sharing is a key factor in building human community. In a world where so many are alienated and distressed it is something to work at.