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Friday Diary: Procrastinating, Camilla And A Spa Retreat

Shelagh Fogarty started her week doing her bit to help the victims of the London Riots, and finished watching Yes Prime Minister.

By Shelagh Fogarty

19 Aug 2011, 09:30

* Somewhere in the NHS a pilot is being carried out into 'Mind Apples'. The age old theory that an apple a day keeps the Doctor away is being applied to mental wellbeing rather than just physical. For some their mind apple will be reading for pleasure. For others it'll be working on that vintage car with the wooden dash. Whatever it is, the theory goes that we all need a few mind apples to remove ourselves from the day to day troubles and detail, restoring our equilibrium. A treat, a distraction, a challenge. Whatever floats your boat and keeps you sane. Monday saw me doing one of mine - lolling around in a spa just yards from the bustle of Oxford Street, in heavenly surroundings. It was a gift to a friend who was married recently and I couldn't let her go alone now could I?

* Later in the week I was reminded again how fortunate I am when I interviewed a survivor of the riots. I don't think it's over the top to say 'survivor' in this case. This woman and her boyfriend have lost everything after escaping with their lives from the burning flat they shared in Tottenham. They met Charles and Camilla on Wednesday when the Royal Couple went to show support. The Duchess of Cornwall, on hearing this girl is an art student who lost all her paints offered to help her stage an exhibition to recover. The exhausted girl said she was grateful but not convinced it would amount to much...' It's ok for her to say that but she can go home tonight and have a bubble bath. I can't.' I suddenly remembered my spa day and promised myself I'd send this beleaguered girl a voucher for the same place I'd been in two days before. I hope I remember to do it. And I hope Camilla does too.

* Thursday was a busy one. After months of procrastinating I finally rang the storage company where I've been ignoring furniture leftover after a refurb. They reminded me what was there. Plenty of it needs to be given a new home. Once a few friends have taken a look, maybe the rest can go to someone affected by the riots. Another reminder of having plenty when others have nothing.

* A level results day and happily my Goddaughter got the grades she needed to study Ancient History at Liverpool University. The same grades would've allowed you to stroll into Oxford or Cambridge a few years ago if you wanted to. Andy Burnham, Shadow Education Secretary, says as much on Five Live, Are they easier or is life harder for pupils nowadays?

* Just returned from The Apollo Theatre after seeing Yes Prime Minister. What a treat! Insightful and funny at the best of times, it felt all the more so in the light of the hacking revelations about the interconnection between politicians and the media. It was spot on in many ways but it's a long time since a Director General of the BBC wore cords!! Answers on Twitter, Mark Thompson.