Alice is about 20 in this picture. My mum is 27 so I must be about 3 1955 or 6. Holland Park. I would be lying if I said I actually remember this picture being taken, but I am almost sure my father took it. There is a whole series of them somewhere.

But as I was looking for something to commemorate the anniversary of Ciocia’s death in 2011, I came across this photo and thought how lovely they both looked. Alice would be 89 this year. Here, at 20 , I think she is stunning. She never lost her sense of style, or sense of humour, and I miss her immensely. We didn’t talk a lot. She was always very enigmatic and didn’t give much away, but was always there when I needed her. As I hope I was for her.

Not to get too maudlin, I just wanted to share this snippet with those of you who remember her and my mum, and invite you to smile at the enormous bow in my hair. Such a shame they are not in fashion now!