NAN

Happy birthday to Nan—the family’s unofficial intelligence service, catering department and final court of appeal. You know everybody’s business before they’ve officially decided what it is themselves and can turn a casual cup of tea into a complete briefing on the entire family. Nobody leaves your house hungry, although several have left carrying food they repeatedly said they didn’t need. You offer advice whether requested or not and possess an extraordinary ability to make people feel loved while criticising their clothing, posture and choice of partner. Beneath the questions, feeding and carefully maintained collection of family secrets is the woman who keeps all of us connected. You’re completely irreplaceable—and slightly terrifying. Love you, Nan. Your secrets are safe-ish x