11 SEPTEMBER 1999, Page 31

From Brigadier (Retd) N.H. Cocking Sir: Regrettably I have never

enjoyed the hospitality of the Hambros, but I am confi- dent that none of their guests, however well behaved, would say, 'Oh, thank you ever so much.' More common than he knew! Per- haps Taki should spend some time with Dear Mary.

Nick Cocking Gaines House, Kington Magna, Nr Gillingham, Dorset