Bravo to the London Philharmonic's veteran double-bassist, Kenneth Goode (above), who retired after yesterday's Prom after being in the orchestra for an astonishing 46 years. The place just won't be the same without him.

He loved his car and his cricket and would often retreat to the one to listen to the other during the long interval at Glyndebourne. His personalised numberplate was a tribute to his dynamic wife, Martha Eitler, violin teacher par excellence (she even got me through my Grade VI back in 1982!) and he ran the orchestra's benevolent fund with a sure, steady and humorous touch. He's more than earned a little leisure to go to Lords.