Identifying suitable time-slots to see each of my PhD students was already a problem, and now finding a physical space in which to meet was a further challenge. RI and I settled down to chat in a corner of a room where the rest of the members of the research centre were supposedly working quietly, but AD and PC soon started to take interest in our conversation. Before we knew it, the tutorial had taken on the form of a research seminar.

Then, when the hour changed, the room was invaded by an entire class of undergraduates, followed by Emeritus Professor ED as she passed through on her way to another teaching session. When I rang security to complain that my room booking had been violated the response was “Possession is nine-tenths of the law”. Finally beaten, I decided to make myself useful and help out with the undergraduates. ST told me that today’s theme was social class and that the students were filling out a questionnaire to identify whether or not their family was middle class. “Wouldn’t it be simpler to ask if they listen to Radio 4?” I suggested in reply.