Roger McGough: What period or moment in your life brought you the most joy?

The question

What period or moment in your life brought you the most joy?

Originally asked

The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A

Asked in 52 of the 131 consecutive instalments of The Guardian's The Q&A harvested on 2026-08-29.

You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

Last Sunday when all the family came round to celebrate my 88th birthday. (Or was it Saturday. Or the week before, perhaps?)

The Q&A, The Guardian, 10 January 2026 source ↗

Others on this question

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Brandi Carlile

I’m the happiest right now. I can see that I’m in a kind of sweet spot: my parents are alive, my kids are little, my wife is hot and my body doesn’t hurt.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 22 November 2025 source ↗

Jacqueline Wilson English novelist

A few years ago in Vermont, when I eloped with Trish to have a civil partnership ceremony.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 21 May 2022 source ↗

Peter Gabriel English musician

When surrounded by my family.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 12 October 2013 source ↗

Johannes Radebe

When my UK citizenship was approved. It’s taken me eight years and lots and lots of money. I was at home in South Africa when I received the news and my mum said, “I am so happy for you because this is your glitterball.”

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 28 March 2026 source ↗