Day Out
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.I never have a day out in the ordinary sense. My life is a satisfying mixture of work and enjoyment. I live in a rambling old cottage in the Chiltern hills. It's there that I have my study, where I do my writing and thinking, and it's there that my secretary comes three days a week. My day out ironically consists of going to work because I go to London a couple of times a week, to attend the House of Lords when it's sitting. I take one of the new trains on the Chiltern Line, which after years of neglect has suddenly blossomed into a clean, fast and reliable service. It's a lovely journey.
If I'm feeling lazy on arrival, I take a taxi, though that costs far too much. When I'm in London I occasionally get taken out for lunch. My favourite place is The Gay Hussar in Greek Street, W1 (071-437 0973), where I used to go with my husband when he was alive. Today I eat in the Peers' Dining Room, House of Lords, but I don't like it much because it's a bit public school. You sit on these long tables and you're supposed to take the next empty seat. I prefer the members' cafeteria in the House of Commons, where I get a jolly good plate of roast lamb and veg for pounds 1.95. It's nice to be able to entertain friends in the Peers' Guest Room. They serve a good tea, specialising in toasted teacakes and blackcurrant jam.
Back home, I enjoy going to the woods in Hampden with the dogs. There are usually three dogs in the house, including my little golden cocker. They have a lovely time on the river bank - it's a doggy paradise.
Barbara Castle's autobiography 'Fighting All the Way' is published 9 Sept by Macmillan
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments