YOUR PROBLEMS SOLVED
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Dear Mary.
Q. I learn that titles are no longer admissi- ble on the new EC passports, but are recorded only as 'observations' deep inside the document where no one is likely to look. Is there a way around this? Mine is due for renewal and I would like to go on benefiting from 'flashing' my title when travelling. It is a simple matter with the old, black format where the (correct) name appears in a little window at the front, but it will be virtually impossible with the new.
Name and address withheld A. There is nothing for it but to have a leather passport cover of the type used by `wallies' adapted for your personal use. Leathersmith Andrew Soos, at 32 Powis Terrace, London WU, who supplies Har- rods and Aspreys with leather goods, would be pleased to insert a window and name- plate into the front of such a wallet, so that You can continue to display your full title in the traditional manner. He will supply the completed item in calf's leather for less than £35.
Q. I am the mother of two toddlers and would like to recruit a nanny through our local labour exchange, but I am told that I
would not be allowed to 'discriminate' against males if they suggested sending one along for an interview. I do not want a male nanny, for reasons of sexual discrimination, so how can I avoid wasting everyone's time or laying myself open to prosecution?
J.F., London SW11
A. Why not take a tip from one mother who recently outwitted the discrimination watchdogs in the following manner? When a male would-be nanny rang up requesting an interview she said, 'I'm sorry, but you wouldn't be suitable. Part of our evening ritual is that I have a bath with the children, and then Nanny comes through and gets them out while I stay in the bath. I don't think it would really be suitable for you to
come into the bathroom while I am in the nude.'
Q. An old friend of mine moved to Aberdeen three years ago from Glasgow. He and his wife often revisit this city, and I am constantly coerced into offering them bed and breakfast on their frequent trips south. These requests come in much more frequently than I would like. If you could devise some reasonably polite way in which I could return to the more conventional standards of my being able to offer them hospitality when I am of a mind to do so I would be very grateful. I have worked my way through most of the excuses and even once pretended I might be away myself. 'Just leave the key in the potting shed,' they said.
J. McD, Glasgow A. Tell your old friend you are taking in a foreign businessman as a part-time lodger, that he won't be there very often, but he requires privacy when he is there, and as he is paying a hefty whack you feel you ought to humour him. This will leave you free to invite the friends as and when you feel like it.
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