I missed out on a bit of childhood sibling rivalry

SIBLINGS seem to be in a more or less permanent state of hostility, as far as I can make out.

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As an only child, it is fascinating to sit back and observe the way sisters and brothers interact.

Our house at the moment is a summer holiday retreat for the Finchley family, and every room is filled with toys and noise.

It’s a blissful way to spend a couple of weeks, and great to watch two granddaughters growing and learning. But don’t they fight?

One will always want what the other has. The other will not want to share it. Mayhem ensues.

There is much to be said for being an only child.

There were times, however, when it did not work out so well. For instance, I was never much good at Subbuteo. I did have a table football set, as did almost every boy in the country, but it was never much of a solo game.

And then my grandmother came up with a Christmas gift which should have been the best ever, but somehow wasn’t.