LAST Thursday (10), Brian White, a former police officer, gave a talk entitled Stick Around, based on his hobby of making and collecting walking sticks. However, the bulk of his talk comprised amusing anecdotes of his service in the police force.

Walking sticks can be utilitarian or have a more sinister purpose. For example, Brian produced a swordstick (now illegal), and a breach-loading rifle (definitely illegal).

Among others was a hazel stick, which had been host to a honeysuckle producing a "barley sugar" shape.

Brian showed a photograph of a silver-topped cane which was presented to the investigating officer in the original Jack the Ripper case (Whitechapel murders). On the silver top was an engraving of the face of the prime suspect, who could not be brought to justice because of insufficient evidence, although the team was convinced of his guilt.

The Jersey giant cabbage, if grown for two years and stripped of side shoots, can reach eight feet in height and can be used as a walking stick.

Other exotic examples were shown, including one made from the vertebrae of a shark, and one made from the cartridge cases of rifle ammunition.

Finally, we saw the pizzle, which is made by stretching an unmentionable part of a bull"s anatomy to the required length a good dictionary will explain more!

Our next meeting is today, when Cliff Astin will give an illustrated talk In the Footsteps of the Brontes.

K.P.B.