ROWLANDS CASTLE WI: Many husbands and friends attended the Rowlands Castle WI visitors' evening and packed the hall.
One visitor travelled from Plymouth WI, which proved a worthwhile journey as everyone enjoyed a most entertaining evening.
John Hook talked about his experiences as clerk to a High Court Judge.
He had visited the WI before and entertained it wi
th his warmest recollections and amazing insights of his 22 years as a Yeoman of the Guard.
John started as clerk to Sir Frederick Lawton on retiring from the Coldstream Guards in 1972 and was the first soldier to take over this position.
He then went on to be clerk to Mr Justice Drake and then to Mr Justice Eaton, and on his death, on to Mr Justice Singer.
Although a fan of TV's Judge John Deeds, John said that the series is not as true to life within his experience, although it does make exceedingly good television.
The clerk is responsible for packing and caring for judges' robes when at court and travelling to ceremonial functions.
John's worst experience was an occasion when he unpacked the judges' case. Mr Hook found that he had omitted to pack the judge's black breeches.
However, the judge in question was not fazed at all. He just wore two pairs of black stockings and thankfully had the protection of the copious red robe to pull round him.
The meeting ended with a vote of thanks, given by Chris Mason, and the winner of the month's competition for a legal limerick was won by Pat Law.
The next meeting will be on Monday, November 10 when the WI holds its AGM and then there will be a talk with slides given by talented photographer Vera Whitlock, entitled Turtles and Trees.
If you would like to attend the meeting it will be at 7.30pm at the Parish Hall, Links Lane, Rowlands Castle.
If you would like more information please contact Pam Winn on 023 9241 2704.
