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Diplomatic

Rorie Smith

At his retirement dinner Lord Hobblethwaite was asked to recall the most memorable moments of his long and successful judicial career. He replied that his elevation to the UK Supreme Court was one of his proudest days. He also cited certain landmark judgements. But actually, he said, his proudest achievement was, at the age of 73, to be able to still stand on his left leg for one minute as he brushed his teeth in the morning. There was a moment’s silence at the dinner because all the other attendees could easily stand on their left leg for one minute as they brushed their teeth in the morning. Some could go for as long as three minutes and a few of their number could get up to five. But after the slight pause there was a fulsome round of applause for the much-admired Lord Hobblethwaite—though all were careful to keep both feet on the ground.

Rorie Smith is a UK novelist now living in Bordeaux, France. His latest book is The Wonderful World of Jane & Oliver Bloke (WritesSideLeft publishers).

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