Royal British Legion (Henley & Peppard Branch)

QUESTION: What is the difference between a camel and a diplomat?

Answer: A camel can work for two weeks without drinking, a diplomat can drink for two weeks without working.

This was the joke with which retired diplomat Keith MacInnes introduced his talk to an almost capacity audience of Royal British Legion members and guests at the Menza café on June 18.

Listening to him as his stories unfolded, surely none of us believed it.

Keith’s distinguished career began after two years’ National Service in the Royal Artillery.

He explained that the British diplomatic service deals with commercial and political issues, promoting British interests and helping British citizens abroad, and works behind the scenes to make the world a more peaceful place.

Generally, he spent one third of his time in London and two thirds abroad due to his ability to speak French, Spanish and Czech.

His meetings with the United Nations in Geneva worked to co-ordinate the international relief efforts in times of famine and disaster.

He also attended many meetings on the issue of who should be allowed to own the seabed.

Another opportunity to amuse his audience was remembering his need, on occasion, to inform a minister that the ambassador was unavailable as he was “on a standing committee sitting on the seabed”.

Keith spent three-and-a- half years in Argentina, which he illustrated for us with humorous stories about the nation’s love of polo and said that prior to General Galtieri’s presidency, we enjoyed excellent relations with the armed forces.

In Prague, however, it was the Russians’ bugging devices and propaganda against which he had to pit his wits.

Keith entertained us wonderfully with his self-deprecating tales and fascinating insights into the world of international diplomacy.

Our next gathering will be at the Menza Café at Henley Rugby Club on Tuesday, July 16 at 11.15am when the talk will be given by two volunteers of Thames Valley Air Ambulance.

Ross Dilnot will share his experience firstly as a patient and now of his work as the charity’s chaplain, while Angus Ross, a pilot for more than 20 years, will describe his work as a non-flying volunteer.

Together, they will tell us about the work of the charity in providing a vital frontline emergency service.

All are welcome to the meeting and it is not necessary to be a member of Royal British Legion or to have any military background, so do come along.

The cost is £18 to include a two-course lunch and tea or coffee and the chance to meet and chat with other local residents.

It is essential to book beforehand by calling Karen Grieve on 07990 833241 or emailing henleyonthames.
secretary@rbl.community by Thursday, July 11.

Mollie Jeffrey