28 SEPTEMBER 2002, Page 95

Q. What was the protocol vis-a-vis carrying a placard on the Countryside March?

C.O., London SW3

A. Placard-carrying was optional, although some parents found that giving a child one to carry was a useful means of keeping track of its position in the crowd. One enjoyable message — on a placard wielded by countrywoman Louise Guinness: 'We shall fight them in our breeches. We shall never surrender.'