MY observations of social media always convince me that I am failing to make the most of life’s pleasures. There is a stream of posts and photographs from exotic locations ranging from the Maldives to Meribel, or working trips to bloodstock sales in the sunshine of Queensland and Cape Town.

After reading accounts of visits to vineyards, long lunches and all-over tans, I can but admire how people manage to combine a career with lengthy periods of sun and fun far from home. Of course the reality is that each experience is being enjoyed somebody different.