Reporter’s diary

Press, 2 June 1989, Page 2

Reporter’s diary

Unbearable.

BEARSKINS — the headgear that is the hallmark of the Trooping the Colour ceremony in Britain — are tricky things to wear. Even Prince Philip, who wears one as Colonel of the Welsh Guards, has problems. In a recently published book by Michael Gow called “Trooping the Colour,” Prince Philip writes of the awkwardness of the headgear. “To keep it anchored against any sudden gusts of wind it has to be worn as low down the head as possible. In consequence, even when the sun is shining it looks as if everything is taking place in torrential rain because it’s seen through a fringe of fur.” He admits to having seen the ceremony properly only once, during his “very first Trooping in 1953 when, dressed as a field marshal, I wore a cocked hat.”

... bearskins In the foreword to the

book, Prince Philip writes that his father-in-law, King George VI, worried so much about coping with a bearskin at Trooping the Colour that he practised wearing one while he was gardening. “Soon after I was married, I arrived at Royal Lodge for the weekend and as I strolled in the garden I heard strange noises coming from the middle of a large rhododendron bush. I approached with caution to be astonished by the sight of a figure wearing what appeared to be a large tea-cosy on its head,” writes the Prince. “It turned out to be my father-in-law getting used to his bearskin in preparation for the parade.” Whoops TYPOGRAPHICAL distortions — better known as printing errors — is an entertainment from which none of us are exempt. Found in the “Times Literary Supplement” was: “This museum was to be

staffed by 12 new professors, who — and this was an important innovation — were hm xs appointed by mhher Professors.” Forcing the issue WHEN is a postcard not a postcard? asks a reader who has a collection of “cards” that date back to his courtship days. His wife-to-be sent him numerous postcards while they were apart during university holidays. While none of them qualify for entry in our most boring or odd postcard competition, they are certainly unusual. Each is a photograph of the recipient, taken in less-than-flatter-ing but not-quite-com-promising poses. The fiancee, an amateur photographer, had figured it was the quickest way to get him to agree to an early marriage and she continued to send them regularly until the two were married.

Indian warning PRESIDENT Bush’s plan

to allow 150,000 more immigrants to enter the United States during the next five years drew this telegraph from an American Indian: “Mr President, be careful with your immigration laws. We weren’t with ours.” Up the creek AN Australian couple deserve an award for composure after what must have been a devastatng revelation. They had spent eight hours driving from Sydney to what they thought was Sanctuary Point in New South Wales. Stopping at a garage to check their bearings, the pair were told they were on course for Sactuary Cove —600 km away in) Queensland. Unperturbed, they calmly turned round and headed back down south. Parting shot THAT’S one way of putting it. A bumper sticker on a car in Springfield Road: “Support your local rescue team. GET LOST!” —Jenny Setchell