When I was in Russia in January I was mocked by a friend as looking like Monsieur Hulot; he was right. Another friend asked me if my hat had been made by Mr Lock. Quick as a flash I told him that it had come from Master Bates. A vulgar joke but it hit the spot with Reggie.
You will recall that World War II was called The Emergency in the (neutral) Republic of Ireland. I think it is an apt name for the situation we face now. Until The Emergency is over I will be sporting a bowler hat.
