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Thank you very much indeed, Shak. I do care for this profession as it was once great and I have seen it slide downhill over the past 40 years. I like to try positively to reflect on the reasons for that and to goad those whom I consider either responsible or capable of doing something about it.

The really sad thing is that those who were admitted post, say, 2000, have no idea how things were when and where I trained i e Eastbourne 1973-75. It was an honourable organisation and true, old fashioned professional standards prevailed. I came to regard all the solicitors in the town as my friends even if on the other side of a difficult matrimonial dispute. I still call to see my old principal, James Webster, whenever in the area and we have remained good friends ever since. Given the way his firm fell apart, and the partnership problems I subsequently had, I am sorry I ever left. James was and indeed remains like a sort of surrogate father to me even though only 12 years older.

Now I feel like an old rugby player, enjoying the game from the touchline and letting others get the bruises, pulled muscles and broken bones I once suffered.

And I can put my name to my posts without fear of retribution. And who knows "Anon" may be one solitary person too blogging even more often than I do.

Anyway I shall continue my blogging, but again many thanks, Shak, for your generous and positive remarks which were reassuring after Anon's criticisms.