Abi Hyde-Smith

[Mr PitBull Stories @MrPitbull07]

*One month before her 95th birthday, Patricia Routledge wrote something that still gently echoes:*

**“I’ll be turning 95 this coming Monday. In my younger years, I was often filled with worry — worry that I wasn’t quite good enough, that no one would cast me again, that I wouldn’t live up to my mother’s hopes. But these days begin in peace, and end in gratitude.”**

My life didn’t quite take shape until my forties. I had worked steadily — on provincial stages, in radio plays, in West End productions — but I often felt adrift, as though I was searching for a home within myself that I hadn’t quite found.

At 50, I accepted a television role that many would later associate me with — Hyacinth Bucket, of Keeping Up Appearances. I thought it would be a small part in a little series. I never imagined that it would take me into people’s living rooms and hearts around the world. And truthfully, that role taught me to accept my own quirks. It healed something in me.

At 60, I began learning Italian — not for work, but so I could sing opera in its native language. I also learned how to live alone without feeling lonely. I read poetry aloud each evening, not to perfect my diction, but to quiet my soul.

At 70, I returned to the Shakespearean stage — something I once believed I had aged out of. But this time, I had nothing to prove. I stood on those boards with stillness, and audiences felt that. I was no longer performing. I was simply being.

At 80, I took up watercolor painting. I painted flowers from my garden, old hats from my youth, and faces I remembered from the London Underground. Each painting was a quiet memory made visible.

Now, at 95, I write letters by hand. I’m learning to bake rye bread. I still breathe deeply every morning. I still adore laughter — though I no longer try to make anyone laugh. I love the quiet more than ever.

**I’m writing this to tell you something simple:**

**Growing older is not the closing act. It can be the most exquisite chapter — if you let yourself bloom again.**

Let these years ahead be your *treasure years*.

You don’t need to be famous. You don’t need to be flawless.

You only need to show up — fully — for the life that is still yours.

*With love and gentleness,*

— Patricia Routledge

[Elliott @BakingwElliott]

I had the pleasure of seeing @BRB with Sir David Bintley's Cinderella at @brumhippodrome. Ifyou haven't, I highly recommend you book your tickets today - it told the story in such a creative way, you won't regret it! 🩰✨

[Tony Iommi @tonyiommi]

It’s been an incredible journey, but it’s only fitting that it ends here, where it all began in Aston. It’s great to be honoured by your fellow musicians and at the same time support good causes. None of this would’ve been possible without Ozzy, Geezer, and Bill. What we created together was bigger than any one of us, and I’ll always be grateful for that. Tony
The original Black Sabbath – Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward – will play for the first time in 20 years. The band will take to the stage to headline BACK TO THE BEGINNING on July 5th at Villa Park. Music Director Tom Morello said: “This will be the greatest heavy metal show ever.” BACK TO THE BEGINNING will feature sets from Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Alice In Chains, Lamb Of God, Anthrax and Mastodon. The all-day event will also feature a supergroup of musicians. Artists announced so far include Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins), David M Draiman (Disturbed), Duff McKagan & Slash (Guns ‘n Roses), Frank Bello (Anthrax), FredDurst (Limp Bizkit), Jake E Lee, Jonathan Davis (Korn), KK Downing, Lzzy Hale (Halestorm), Mike Bordin (Faith No More), Rudy Sarzo, Sammy Hagar, Scott Ian (Anthrax), Sleep Token ii (Sleep Token), Papa V Perpetua (Ghost), Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine), Wolfgang Van Halen and Zakk Wylde. More names will be announced shortly. Tickets go on sale at 10am GMT on Friday 14th February 2025 at https://t.co/kK4ge2ilR4. All profits will go to the following charities: Cure Parkinson's, Birmingham Children's Hospital and Acorn Children's Hospice, a Children’s Hospice supported by Aston Villa.

[Jennifer Woodside @JenLWoodside]

This was a hair-standing-up-on-the-back-of-your-neck performance! Thank you #AdamHickox and all the singers. A fantastic concert. #Glyndebourne

[Birmingham Royal Ballet @BRB]

We’re celebrating five years of @CAcostaOfficial as BRB Director! 🌟

From Don Quixote to Black Sabbath – The Ballet, BRB2 to @glastonbury, Carlos has brought an empowering vision to the Company, blending traditional repertoire with innovation, pushing the boundaries of ballet.

[Abi Hyde-Smith @abihydesmith]

So pleased our concert at @1901ArtsClub next week is sold out
You can catch the same programme at @OmnibusTheatre on 2nd Feb at 7pm. This programme includes Pete Walton's new work for cello & piano and the incredible @PianoLieder on piano. Link below

https://t.co/s39ITYk94P

[Birmingham Royal Ballet @BRB]

✨ Clara's magical journey has arrived in London!

We dedicate our performances at the @RoyalAlbertHall to our CEO, the late Caroline Miller OBE. She is deeply missed.

📸: Annabel Moeller and Drew Tommons.

[Glyndebourne @glyndebourne]

Merry Christmas from all at Glyndebourne! 🎅

To get you in the festive mood, here's the Glyndebourne Chorus, Youth Opera and Sinfonia performing 'The Twelve Days of Christmas', captured at the Glyndebourne Christmas concert. Conducted by Aidan Oliver.

[Tashy McTashface @TashP351]

Tonight, I’m gonna circle what I want to watch over Christmas in this bad boy like it’s 1985.

[No Context Brits @NoContextBrits]

Quality Street boxes in 2050.

[City of London Sinfonia (CLS) @CityLdnSinfonia]

We had a wonderful festive concert today at @StJohnsHospice. Caroline Welsh (flute), Abi Hyde-Smith (cello), and Olivia Jageurs (harp) delighted patients, hospice staff, and family members with festive pieces from around the world.

[Punch Cat @PunchingCat]

*me showing my family my baby*

[Punch Cat @PunchingCat]

“where do you see yourself in 30 years?”

me:

[Abi Hyde-Smith @abihydesmith]

Gorgeous chamber music with even more gorgeous friends 💕 @glyndebourne

[Jamison Daniel @AntiquarianMuse]

Trump says there’s no empty seats and the cameraman goes rogue

Live fact checks at trump rallies now

[No Cats No Life @NoCatsNoLife_m]

Happy #Halloween

[Ricky Gervais @rickygervais]

26 years ago, I was made redundant and given a few grand. I decided that if I was careful, I could live off the money for 6 months trying to become a comedian before I had to get another job. I was 37. Worth a punt.

[Dominic Sandbrook @dcsandbrook]

Just a note about last night's @TheRestHistory Mozart and Beethoven show at the @RoyalAlbertHall.

Thank you everybody for coming. It was an unbelievable thrill to step out in front of such a generous and encouraging audience - the kind of experience you never forget.