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I S S U E 2 7 0 • J U N E 2 0 1 1

Ed’s letter…

READERS WILL be relieved to know that the May 5th referendum on proposed changes to the voting system receives very little attention in this issue of The Oldie.

We have not carried out a poll of readers but my guess is that a majority of you would probably vote No – assuming that you don’t abstain.

The reason, I suspect, is that like me you are opposed to anything that makes life more complicated. And as far as that is concerned we have quite enough to be getting on with as things stand.

RICHARD INGRAMS

C O N T E N T S

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12

12 STILL WITH US John McEntee talks to Henry Cooper

THIRD TIME UNLUCKY Anne Howells’s tale of a Very Stupid Woman… 34

ABC Primary Figure: 38,540 Subscription rates for 12 issues: UK £37.50; Europe £42; USA £43; Rest of World £52.50

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Cover illustration by: David Stoten

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46 A MARRIAGE OF MINDS Huon Mallalieu on Bernard Dunstan and Diana Armfield

A TOWNSFOLK WITH NO TOWN Andrew Hosken reports from Japan 42

22 MEMOIRS OF A GNOMEHUNTING MAN Jamie Douglas-Home on suburban forays

30 MY SECRET DINER Bunty Marshall shares a hidden gem

32 MISTRESS OF THE OLD SCHOOL Imogen Lycett Green meets a legendary headteacher, much loved by her gels

PEARLS OF WISDOM

38 PEARLS OF WISDOM Melanie McFadyean talks to Peregrine Worsthorne

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