STILL ALIVE AND IN ST PAUL'S

There is a stage in life when funerals are more frequent occasions than Weddings and Baptisms. And occasionally, as to day, a better class of funeral-a memorial service. And one in St Paul's. albeit the Crypt, is as better class as you can get. Last time we went there was for King Hussein of Jordan but that took up the whole building plus people on the steps. Today, it will be more modest even if the late departed was a great and distinguished member of the Camel Corps-aka an Arabist ambassador from HM Diplomatic Service.

Funeral or Memorial Service it will be the same little charades played out; 'OH Huttonian, such a long time! It must have been Tunis where we last met. You haven't changed a bit' Oh Dear Don't know him from Adam and he looks as if he is due an early memorial service himself And I have never been in Tunis. ' Ah Richard. What are you doing these days?' Another stranger-'Actually I am Huttonian' 'Not Richard?! I could have sworn?' Exit muttering something to the effect how sad it is that so many old friends are so gaga that they have forgotten their own names.

But no doubt I will eventually, meet someone whom I do know.

And who really does know me

(And not one who says' Gosh I thought you were dead!)

'Now where was it-Kuwait? New York?

Dar es Salaam? Dubai - Oh of course Amman'

'Of course'

Let's get out of here.

Let's

Labels: Camel Corps, Memorial Services, St Pauls

  ¶ 10:30 AM