The Daily Telegraph from London, Greater London, England • 31

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1994 31 NEWS COURT AND SOCIAL Courti Circular BUCKINGHAM PALACE November 17th Queen arrived at Kemsley Station, Kent, this morning and was received by Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant (the Lord Kingsdown, KG). Her Majesty drove to Eastchurch Church of England Primary School and was received by the Chairman, School Governors (Father Leonard Mepsted), the Teacher (Mr Martin Saffery) an's Mayor of the BorSwale (Councillor Lionel Vaughan). The Queen toured the school and afterwards unveiled a commemorative plaque. Her Majesty later visited Abbott Laboratories, Queenborough, and was received by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (Mr Duane Burnham) and the Mayor of Queenborough (Councillor Michael Constable). The Queen viewed The Queen's Award for Export and toured laboratories, escorted by the Chairman and Managing Director (Mr David Gibbons).

Her Majesty this afternoon arrived at Chatham Historic Dockyard and was received by the Chairman, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust (Admiral of the Fleet Sir William Staveley) and the Mayor of Rochester Upon Medway City (Councillor Mrs Ann Marsh). The Queen honoured the Chairman with her presence at Luncheon in the Commissioner's House. Afterwards Her Majesty toured the Dockyard, escorted by the Chairman, and viewed craftsmen at work on ropes, sails and flags. The Queen later visited the of Sir John Hawkins, Chatham, and was received by the Chairman of the Governors (Mr John Bradley). The Hon Mary Morrison, Mr Robin Janvrin and Lieutenant Colonel Sir Guy Acland, Bt, were in attendance.

The Prince of Wales, on behalf of The Queen, held an Investiture at Buckingham Palace this morning. CLARENCE HOUSE November 17th Dr Philip Ledger, Principal, and Mrs Fowler, Director of Finance and Administration, Royal ScotAcademy of Music and Drama, today had the honour of being received by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and conferred Her Majesty the degree of Music (honoris causaoctor ST JAMES'S PALACE November 17th The Prince of Wales, President, The Prince's Trust, this morning received Mr Pervin. His Royal Highness, Founder and President, this afternoon gave a Luncheon for The Prince of Wales's Institute of Architecture. The Prince of Wales later received the Rt Hon John Major, MP (Prime Minister and First Lord of the Treasury). His Royal Highness this evening visited the Italian Exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts, Piccadilly, London W1.

Dr Manon Williams was in attendance. The Prince of Wales, President, The Prince's Trust, subsequently attended Concert given by Meat Loaf at the Royal Albert Hall, London SW7. Mr Matthew Butler was in attendance. BUCKINGHAM PALACE November 17th The Prince Edward, Chairman, The of Edinburgh's Award Special Projects Group, this evening attended a performance of "Cinderella" given by the Northern Ballet Theatre at Sadler's Wells Theatre, London EC1, followed by Dinner at the Savoy Hotel, London WC2. Mrs Richard Warburton was in attendance.

KENSINGTON PALACE November 17th The Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon, Patron, Youth Clubs Scotland, this afternoon visited Aberdeen and was received by Lieutenant Colonel Charles Mann (Deputy Lieutenant of the City of Aberdeen). Royal Highness presented the "BP Youth Clubs Scotland Grizzly Challenge and Gruff Kids" Awards at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre, Bridge of Don. Mrs Charles Vyvyan was in attendance. KENSINGTON PALACE November 17th The Duke of Gloucester today visited West Midlands and was received by Her Majesty's LordLieutenant for West Midlands (Mr Robert Taylor). His Royal Highness opened the new Brookmoor Primary School, Belle Isle, Brookmoor, Brierley Hill, Dudley, and afterwards opened the new Broadfield House Glass Museum, Compton Drive, Kingswinford.

Later The Duke of Gloucester opened the Jephson Housing Association's Chaddesley Court, Wolverhampton Street, Dudley. Major Nicholas in attendance. YORK HOUSE November 17th The Duchess of Kent this morning opened the new Music School, St Mary's School, Ascot, Berkshire. Fiona, Lady Astor of Hever was in attendance. The Prince of Wales will attend the Royal Variety Performance at the Dominion Theatre, W1, on Nov 28, in aid of the Entertainment Artistes' Benevolent Fund.

The Princess Royal will attend the Salvation Army's 'Carols at Christmas" concert in Wembley Grand Hall on Dec 7. A memorial service for Mr Rex Alston will be held today at Bride's, Fleet Street, at noon. TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS The Earl of Malmesbury is 87; Mr Alan Pryce-Jones; book critic, author and journalist, 86; Dr V.H.H. Green, Rector of Lincoln College, Oxford, 1983-87, 79; Sir Tasker Watkins, ins, VC, a former Lord Justice of Appeal, 76; Sir Kenneth Clucas, former senior civil servant, 73; Admiral of the, Fleet Sir Henry Leach, Chairman, Dunstan's, 71; Mr John Camden, President, RMC Group, 69; Prof J.R. Quayle, Vice-Chancellor, University of Bath, 1983- 92, 68; Lord Justice Stuart-Smith 67; Lord Cullen, a Senator of the College of Justice in Scotland, 59; Mr David Hemmings, actor, director producer, 53; and the Duke of Roxburghe 40.

Today is the anniversary of the signing of the Panama Canal Treaty by the United States and Panama in 1903. FORTHCOMING MARRIAGES Mr R.M. Ayre-Smith and the Hon Rebecca Mackay The engagement is announced between Mark, son of Dr and Mrs Robert of Sydney, Australia, Smith Rebecca, youngest daughter of Lord Tanlaw, of London, and Mrs Edmund Capon, of Sydney, Australia. Fit Lt J.S. Hill and Fit Lt J.E.

Pamphilon The engagement is announced between James, younger son of Mr and Mrs Donald Hill, of Saxmundham, Suffolk, Judy, daughter of Mr and Mrs Ross Pamphilon, of Churchdown, Gloucestershire. Mr C.B. Wilson and Miss S.C. Carr The engagement is announced between Chance Blane, younger son of Lt-Col and Mrs Freddie Wilson, of Tydd, Cambridgeshire, and Sarah Claire, elder daughter of Mr and I Mrs Robert Carr, of Longtown, Cumbria. Mr J.H.C.

Wasdell and Miss G.S. Hornby The engagement is announced between James, elder son of Mr and Mrs Richard Wasdell, of Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire, and Georgina, middle of Lt-Col and Mrs Nicholas Hornby, of Wedhampton, Devizes, Wiltshire. Mr A.C.N. Main Miss N.E. Roberts The engagement is announced between Anthony, younger son of Judge and Mrs John of Claygate, Surrey, and Nancy, only daughter of the late George Stanley Roberts and of Mrs Rosemary Roberts, of Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire.

Mr M.G. Faber and Miss L.J. Dunlop The engagement is announced between Matthew, only son of Dr and Mrs Vernon Faber, of Stanton St Bernard, Wiltshire, and Lindsay, only daughter of Mr and Mrs Brian Dunlop, of London, SW11. Mr J.H. Colvin and Miss L.P.

Brownlow The engagement is announced between Howard, elder son of Mrs Iris Colvin, OBE, and the late Joseph William Colvin, of Newtownbreda, Co Down, and Lydia Patricia, daughter of Mr and Mrs Colin Brownlow, of Old Alresford, Hampshire. Mr S. Hutchinson and Miss C.E. Griffiths The engagement is announced between Stephen, only son of Mr and Mrs Roy Hutchinson, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottingham, and Clare, younger daughter of Mr D.E. Griffiths, Carmarthen, and Mrs Patricia Hammond, 14 Heritage Park, Haverfordwest.

Mr E. Davies and Miss S. Oliver The between engagement Edward, is son of announced Mir i and Mrs John Davies, of Limpsfield, Surrey, and Sally, daughter of Mr and Mrs Dennis Oliver, also of Limpsfield, Surrey. Mr A.M.G. Corner and Miss M.L.

du Toit The engagement is announced between Andrew, eldest son of Mr and Mrs R.H.G. Corner, of Grange Farm, Beauchampton, Buckinghamshire, and second daughter of Mr D.S. du Toit, of Elgin, Cape Town, South Africa. OBITUARIES Doris Speed As Annie Walker at the Rovers Return (1983) grasping son Billy, who finally wrested the tenancy from her in 1983. with moist eyes always cherished the memory of her husband, Jack.

Speed also said that Annie Walker "stood for everything I'm and despite playing the acidulous beldam for more than 20 years she had little in common with her. Speed admitted to a dislike of pubs and a lack of patience with Annie Walker's posturing. Her colleagues on the Street used to describe the actress as "very politically minded'' and keen She also developed a reputation for being easily distracted during filming. "'She hated handling recalled Jean Alexander (who played Hilda Ogden, Annie's put -upon cleaner). "If she had to pour a cup of tea and speak at the same time she often used to 'dry'.

Doris's famous stare into the middle distance was only to stop herself being put off by other In 1983 the tabloid press published details 'she Doris Speed's real age was over 80 but claimed to be still in her sixties. When she had joined the cast in 1960 she was already an old age pensioner, but insisted that she was in her early forties. When the truth about her age was revealed Speed suffered severe depression. "It broke her spirit recalled a friend, "she would never go back on the Street after that." She eventually left the house she had shared with her mother for most of her life and entered an old people's home at Walshaw, Bury, where she remained until her death. Doris Speed was born in Manchester on Feb 3 1899, the daughter of music-hall artistes George and Ada Speed.

She made her stage debut at five in The Royal Divorce. "I toddled on in a velvet suit as the Infant Prince of she recalled. She spent her early childhood touring with her parents: "I was at a different school every Monday, but I thought that was In 1915 she took a course in shorthand and typing at a local technical college. Soon after completing it she was offered a post with Guinness in Manchester, where she became typist support her parents' continued efforts on the stage. She worked for Guinness for the next 40-odd years, becoming in her spare time an active member of the local amateur dramatics group, the highly regarded UnNamed Society.

'Acting was all I ever wanted to do," she would recall. After many years she established herself as an accomplished performer, and she began to receive offers of radio work in Manchester. In the late 1950s she appeared in a police series Shadow Squad, in an episode written by Tony Warren, and when Warren created Coronation Street for Granada he wrote the part of Annie Walker for Doris Speed. At first Speed twice turned down auditions for the Street. "I was in Bristol at the time," she remembered, "and it seemed such a long way to travel.

In the end a friend persuaded me, and I took the milk train up to Manchester." By this time Warren had auditioned 24 actresses for the part, but had found none suitable. "I knew the part was mine as soon as I did the Speed said. "It was just a For the next 23 years she Janet Ahlberg DORIS SPEED, the actress who has died aged 95, was celebrated for her superb portrayal of Annie Walker, the disdainful landlady of the Rovers Return in Coronation Street. Annie Walker was created specifically for Doris Speed. She was said to have based her performance on the character of her own Aunt Bessie, who used to lead the Speed family in Christmas charades and had a withering look.

With her screen husband, the long- suffering Jack (Arthur Leslie), Speed appeared in the first episode of Street in 1960. She dominated the Rovers Return for the next 23 years, until illness forced her to leave the series. Annie Walker struck a chord in the national psyche, as the embodiment of the genteel social climber, an icon of the proud petit-bourgeois tidiness which was subject to such virulent cultural attack in the 1960s. If there was a distinctly music-hall aspect to her character and Coronation Street is a televisual descendant of that tradition Speed managed to bring an embattled dignity to her role, as well as affectionate satire. Inclined to dress like the Queen, Annie Walker was ever mindful that she should be paid the respect she felt her due.

Ever so refined she preferred to see herself as an 'Anne" she looked down relentlessly on her common clientele. As aficionados of the Street knew well enough, though, Annie was the daughter of a mill clerk and had begun her career as a loom operative. Annie did condescend to converse across the bar with the university Kenneth Barlow, for whose illfated Silver Jubilee pageant in 1977 she took the role of Good Queen Bess. Annie Walker was extremely disgruntled when the unspeakably vulgar barmaid Bet Lynch was "highly commended" for her role as Britannia, while Good Queen Bess was ignored. Annie was in her element as lady chairman of the local Licensed Victuallers' Association and enjoyed her finest moment when the widowed corner shop proprietor Councillor Alf Roberts invited her to act as his Lady Mayoress.

Mrs Walker duly invested in a second-hand Rover and pressed the protesting potman Fred Gee into service as her chauffeur. Doris Speed described Annie as "always a silly vain but the character did not lack humanity. She proved a sympathetic "auntie" to the wayward slut Lucille Hewitt, for example, and a tolerant mother to her appeared twice weekly as the doyenne of pub landladies. 'Annie Walker really was a dreadful snob," she admitted. "She used to complain because the corner shop didn't stock game soup." not rehearsing or filming, Speed spent her time playing bridge with other, cast the members Guardian and crossword.

"She played bridge like a professional," Jean Alexander remembered, "and went through crosswords like a knife through butter." At home her preferred pastimes were reading theatrical biographies and watching the Street. "I study Annie to make sure that no silly mannerisms creep she said. "It's her I'm watching, not myself." In 1977 Speed was appointed MBE and two years later received an award for "Outstanding Services to Television'. She collapsed filming in 1983 and was rushed to- hospital suffering from stomach pains. While recuperating at her home, Speed said that she intention of returning the Street after her recovery, but continuing ill-health kept her at home.

During the next three years Speed's illness prevented her from returning to the programme. She became increasingly deaf and, with the loss of her hearing, reclusive. In 1985 thieves broke into her house as she slept and ransacked the The shock of robbery then forced her into hospital, and she never returned to her home in Chorlton- cu Hardy. years later Annie Walker made her final appearance at the Rovers Return. Independent Television had asked Speed to take part in the 1988 Telethon and to pull a pint of beer for charity.

She was filmed behind the bar looking frail but happy. During the 1990 celebrations of Coronation Street's 30th anniversary, Doris Speed appeared on the television spectacular hosted by Cilla Black. When she entered, helped onstage by Miss Black, Speed received a standing ovation from the cast of the Street. Although unsteady on her feet she managed to recount an anecdote about her mother. "'She couldn't believe it when I told her they were going to pay me £50 she said." Miss Black, thinking that the story was over, started a round of applause, but Speed continued uninterrupted.

my as, mother said. 'You're never worth She was unmarried. Janet Ahlberg with her husband, Allan, in 1991, and an illustration from Jeremiah in the Dark Woods (1977) JANET AHLBERG, the illustrator who has died aged 50, produced with her band, Allan, some of bestloved and successful children's books of recent years. The Jolly Postman (1986) and its successor The Jolly Christmas Postman (which won the Kate Greenaway Medal in 1991) sold millions of copies. The idea had come to the Ahlbergs as they watched their daughter, Jessica, playing with the post.

"We thought it would be remembered Allan, "to book with the haveme pages made into envelopes, and then we hit on -rhyme and fairystory characters to send the letters so the reader would already know the The Ahlbergs were involved in the production of their books as well as their creation. They liked to supervise everything, from the choice of typeface to the process of printing: The Jolly Postman was five years in the making. Allan Ahlberg's, gift was for rhythmical and dramatic phrases which stick in a child's memory; Janet brought his life visually with a clarity, an eye for detail and a warmth that instantly engaged fledgling readers. These qualities were evident in their first great suc- Bishops best placed to provide smack of firm government HAD the new Bishop of Durham, the Right Rev Michael Turnbull, resigned last month over an incident in his past, the future shape of the Church of England might CLIFFORD have turned out LONGLEY differently. He is presiding over an inquiry into church structures that began with the role of the Church Commissioners, and has widened into a root and branch investigation into the way the Church is organised and who is in charge.

One key question that appears to be emerging from his investigation is whether and to what extent the House of Bishops should become the Church's central government, rather than remain little more than an episcopal debating society. This would be highly controversial, inevitably arousing cries of Any extension of the powers of bishops in the past has been vigorously opposed, not least as threatening the influence of the laity and the independence of the clergy. Even the current proposal that bishops should have more responsibility for their own cathedrals has gone down badly in some church quarters. But there is good case for the change Bishop Turnbull is considering. The General Synod is often said to be the Church of Eng.

land's parliament. But unlike the House of Commons, it does not have a front bench. 6 They Almost all the much motions and measures that come likely before it are in pursue essence Private Members' busi- for ness. In theory it sake) can do totally contradictory things, and it sometimes has. Along with the Houses of Clergy and Laity, the House of Bishops is one of three Houses which together constitute the Synod.

It sits as an integral part of the synod as well as meeting separately from time to time. It is much more like the House of Lords than it is like the Government (except that the Lords also has In government so far benches.) od has a government at all, it is its elected standing committee. The formulation strategy for the Church is delegated to the standing committee's policy subcommittee, an obscure body whose effectiveness has been much criticised in the past. If the principle behind the design of the synod's structures was that all important decisions should be made in secret by a self-appointed and almost anonymous elite what used to be called "the establishment" the designers did their job well. They made sure the direction and momentum were under their guidance.

The one check they incorporated was the requirement for a two-thirds majority for DINNERS Royal College of Physicians Judge Tumim yesterday delivered the Samuel Gee Lecture to the Royal College of Physicians of London. Afterwards, Sir Leslie Turnberg, President, and Lady Turnberg, with Officers and Fellows of the College, held a dinner honour of Dr Robert Mahler, retiring Editor of college "re publications. Among those present were: The Earl and Countess of Limerick, Lord and Lady Gibson. Sir William and Lady Asscher, Sir Michael and Lady Atiyah, Sir David and Lady Barran. Sir Cecil Clothier, QC, and Lady Clothier, Lady Medawar a and Sir David and Lady Orr.

Distillers' Company High Commissioner for Canada attended a dinner held by the Distillers' Company last night at Vintners' Hall after being granted the Honorary Freedom of the Company. Mr Michael Druitt. new Master, presided, installed, Mr Peter Hallgarten, Upper Warden, Mr Anthony Edwards, Middle Warden, and Mr Christopher Mitchell, Renter Warden. The speakers were the Middle Warden, Mr P. B.

"Laddie" Lucas and the Master. The High Commissioner for New Zealand and the Master of the Musicians' Company were also present. Gardeners' Company The Master, Mr Norman Chalmers, assisted by the Wardens, Mr David Gollin and Mr Ian Flanagan, presided at the Autumn Court dinner of the Gardeners' Company last night at Clothworkers' Hall. The other speakers Mr Michael Jack, MP, Minister of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mr Deputy Michael Cassidy, Chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee, City of London, and Canon Peter Delaney, Honorary Chaplain. Chemical Industries Association The Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Miss was present at the annual dinner of the Chemical Industries Association held last night at Grosvenor House.

Dr John Cunningham, MP. Shadow Secretary for Trade and Industry, was the principal speaker. The President, Dr Keith W. Humphreys, the chair and received the guests with the Director General, Mr John C.L. Cox.

the most important business. be admitted for discussion, a proposal needs only 51 per cent support. In theory a reform favoured by the majority but opposed by a third can bounce around inside the synodical machine for ever, never unpopular enough to be dropped, never popular enough to be carried. This puts defenders of the status quo perpetually on the defensive, and biases the system in favour of the reformers. The synod was conceived in an age when the dominant nostrum for curing the decline in church-going and the growing secularism of the nation was modernisation of the Church of Eng.

land, with a new Bible, a new Prayer Book, and bishops called Bill. The synod's appetite for business has to be fed with a constant diet. What it needs are reports and resolutions. And the one thing that a church working party or commission can be guaranteed not to do is to recommend no change. Like Luther's semper reformandum or Mao's perpetual revolution, modernisation for its own sake is in danger becoming the Church of England's whole agenda.

Some reforms were undoubtedly necessary, but most are marginal. Nobody seriously maintains that without a General Synod the Church of England would be unable to do are its job. less For most congregations the to synod has nothreform ing much to do with their devoreform's tional lives or their sense of loyalty to the Christian religion. are bemused by its affairs, resentful of its interference and cost. They would be much happier with government of the Church by its bishops, they know and respect.

Capt R.B. Smith and Capt L. Farmer The engagement is announced between Roger Smith, The Royal Gurkha Rifles, and Lisa Farmer, Adjutant General's Corps. Mr D.L. Roberts and Miss J.S.

Reynolds The engagement is announced between David Leonard, son of Mrs R. W. Roberts, of Aberdyfi, Gwynedd, and Joanna daughter of Mr and Mrs J.S. Reynolds, of Wingham, Canterbury. Mr Angell-James and Miss A.L.

Pardoe-Williams The engagement is announced between Ben, son of Mr and Mrs Roger Angell-James, of Shrewsbury, Shropshire, and Anna, daughter of Mr and Mrs Philip Pardoe- Williams, of Winchester, Hampshire. Mr J.B. McCarthy and Miss A.M. Delisle The engagement is announced between Jayson, only son of Mr and Mrs Michael B. McCarthy, of Durban, South Africa, and Annabel, only daughter of Mr and Mrs Peter Delisle, of Marchmont House, Sunningdale, Berkshire.

Mr G. McKinley and Miss H.J. Smith The engagement is announced between Gerard, younger son of Mr G. McKinley and late Mrs B. McKinley, of Ballycastle, Northern Ireland, a and Helen, daughter of Mr and Mrs Roger Smith, of Mossley Hill, Liverpool.

Mr T.M. Hedin and Miss N.L. Waddell The engagement is announced between Tim, younger son of Mr Carl Hedin, of Woodford, Essex, and the late Mrs Gwendoline Hedin, and Nicola, elder daughter of and Mrs John Waddell, of Snape, Suffolk. Mr D.P. Watts and Miss H.M.

Murray The engagement is announced between Daniel, younger son of Mrs Barbara Walker and Mr Terry Watts, and Helen, only daughter of Mr and Mrs David Murray. WEDDING Mr M.P. Peskin and Miss E.L. Ashton The marriage took place on Friday, Nov 11, at Marylebone Register Office, of Mr Michael Peskin, only son of Mr and Mrs Richard Peskin, of St John's Wood, London, and Miss Elizabeth Ashton, only daughter of Dr and Mrs Clifford Ashton, of Richmond, North Yorkshire. A reception was held at Claridge's and the honeymoon is being spent abroad.

OLD NORTHAMPTONIANS' ASSOCIATION The annual dinner of the Old Northamptonians' Association, celebrating its 75th anniversary, will take place at the Northampton School for Boys on Saturday, Dec 3. For details contact Mr R. White on tel: 0604 408152. Any large gathering is likely to be less than the sum of its parts: to have a collective emotional and intellectual age of about 11 regardless of the individual brilliance of each member. The decisions of such a body will sometimes be impulsive or even mindless, and incoherent one with another.

Its affairs will be dominated by fashion and faction. Leadership is what the bishops are chosen for. They are much closer to being the Church's own choice than they were when the synod first met in 1970. They are much closer to being the Church's own choice, for that matter, than the General Synod's standing committee and its policy sub-committee. They are much less likely to pursue reform for reform's sake.

And if they did, the synod meeting once a year, perhaps would be a great deal more likely to stop them. SERVICE DINNERS HMS Victory Adml Sir Michael Layard, Second Sea Lord and C-in-C Naval Home Command, and Lady Layard were hosts at a dinner held last night onboard HMS Victory in Portsmouth to mark the launch of the Royal Navy frigate, HMS Somerset. Oxford University Royal Naval Unit cess, Burglar Bill (1977). Bill's criminal career is interrupted when he unwittingly steals a baby belonging to a fellow practitioner, Burglar Betty. True love flourishes; all the stolen goods are returned; the two burglars settle down to a life of domestic rectitude.

This improving tale was followed the next year by the rhyming Cops and Robbers, in which a dastardly gang pinches children's presents on Christmas Eve and is duly foiled by the Forces of Law. Each Peach Pear Plum (1978), which also won the Kate Greenaway prize, was again in rhyme. The cover, with its formalised leaves and flowers concealing little objects and animals, prefigured the contents, in which well-known nursery characters seem oblivious peers lurking in the background. In Peepo! (1981) a strategically placed hole in each page allows the reader to see the world on which a baby looks from the vantage point of pram, rug or lap. The page is turned, and the scene opens out to display the kind of urban terraces from which the Ahlbergs themselves had sprung in the 1940s.

The daughter of artists, she was born Janet Hall 'at Huddersfield on Oct 21 1944, and spent most of her childhood devouring comics in Leicester. She met Allan Ahlberg in Sunderland, where they were both training to be teachers, and they were married in 1969. By that time Janet Ahlberg was at Leicester Polytechnic, studying graphics under Amstutz. The first book she illustrated was Night (in the Macdonald "Starter" series, 1972). Soon she was urging husband (who was at the time employed as a schoolmaster) to produce a story for her to work on.

By his account, his wife was his best editor. "She's had a lot of trouble with he admitted, "because I'm not gracious about receiving criticism: if she likes it I feel good, and if she doesn't like it I get ratty." For a while the Ahlbergs earned little but rejection slips. Their first joint publication which determined Allan to give up his job was a series of five titles called The Brick Street Boys (1975), designed for children learning to read. When their daughter was born in 1979 friends joked that she was not so baby as a piece of market research. This was to some degree borne out by The Baby's Catalogue (1982), which originated with Jessica's fondness for the Mothercare catalogue.

Janet produced fat comfortable drawings portraying six babies (including a pair of twins) and five pairs of parents. The Ahlbergs' other books included Jeremiah in the Woods (1977), a fairytale; Son of a Gun (1979), a pastiche Western; The Little Worm Book (1979), so tiny that it almost escaped notice; Funnybones (1980), exceptional in that it began Janet's pictures rather than with Allan's words; The Ha Ha Bonk Book (1982), full of two-line jokes for children to try on their classmates; Starting School (1988), based on a booklet drafted for Jessica's school; and It Was a Dark Stormy Night (1993), a tale improvised by a small boy for the critical brigands who have kidnapped him. Success did not change Janet Ahlberg. She disliked publicity and wanted nothing better than to be left to pursue her work with her husband although she would take off to produce cards timer her friends' birthdays. She never harboured any artistic ambition beyond her books.

With great fortitude she continued drawing while she was dying from cancer; Jolly Pocket Postman, her last book, will be published next year. Adml Sir Benjamin Bathurst, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, was guest of honour at the inaugural Mess dinner of the Oxford University Royal Naval Unit held last night at Trinity College, Oxford, by permission of the President and Fellows. Lt-Cdr M.J. Greaves, Officer-in-Charge, presided. Movement Control Officers' Club Brig M.G.R.

Hodson, President, and members Movement Control Officers' Club held their 49th annual dinner last night at the Union Jack Club. Lt-Col J.C. Marchmont was in the chair and Maj-Gen M.S. White, Director of Support, HQ Allied Land Forces Central Europe, was the principal guest. Gurkha Brigade Association The annual dinner of the Gurkha Brigade Association was held last night at the Army and Navy Club.

Field Marshal Lord Bramall presided, assisted by Brig M.G. Hunt- Davis, Chairman of the Association. 4th PWO Gurkha Rifles Lt-Col R.N.D. Williams, President. 4th Prince of Wales's Own Gurkha Rifles Officers' Association, together with other members of the Association, dined last night in the Officers' Mess, Subathu, Simla Hills, India, on the occasion of the 4th Gurkha Rifles Regimental Reunion.

Brig S.J.B. Sharma presided. IN MEMORIAM Mr Donald Reeve A service of thanksgiving for the life of Mr Donald Reeve was held yesterday at St Margaret's Church, Westminster Abbey. Canon Donald Gray officiated. Mr Michael Upstone and Dr Edmund Hambly, President of the Institution of Civil Engineers, read the lessons.

The address was given by Mr Stuart Mustow. Among those present were: Mrs Reeve (widow), Mr and Mrs Ian Reeve (son and daughter-in-law) and other members of the family; Mr Roger Dobson, Director General and Secretary, Institution of Civil Engineers, and many other friends. we.