29 October 2025
Over the years on occasions, I have been known to be in various pubs.
Yesterday evening Simon Rodway and another seven of us from CA Committee met Nick Barnett of Caldecott Foundation (with Carly Thomas) at Traitors Gate pub, 14 Trinity Square, EC3, near Tower Hill tube station (thanks to Michael J). Seemed likely venue for London reunion on 29 August 2026 followed by informal one at Caldecott House as on 14 September 2024). We diligently assessed the the premises (main bar with access for customers in wheelchairs) and sampled food and drinks, very acceptable. Of course, I might entertain visiting other pubs, but as I am getting on I would favour coming there again soon to refresh memory etc. We had an enjoyable and useful discussion including Caldecott Foundation's interest in the archive collection currently in Gloucestershire. Good if even more old photos etc. will be displayed at Caldecott House by next September.
The fable, titled The Philosopher, in the Herald magazine for Easter 1970, probably was based on something that I heard in a pub.
The Philosopher
Once upon a time there lived an old man. Everyone reputed him to be exceedingly wise, because he always remained silent. He never seemed to say anything. He was sitting in the public library one day, surrounded by books, when he announced: "Listen, I have discovered something." They flocked round to hear his teaching, for they all wanted to benefit from his experience and learning.
He said: "Life is like a big fish."
Then he looked at them with a grave and stern face. They all muttered among themselves, marveling at his wisdom. Old Jenkins had said that Life was like a big fish.
At the edge of the crowd stood a stranger, with a wrinkled brow. He was obviously thinking deeply. His look became more and more worried.
"No it's not!", he exclaimed.
There was a deathly hush. The old man looked at the stranger for a moment. He reflected on the matter, then he said:
"All right. Life is not like a big fish."
And he never said another word.