I think that I should put this true story on record. It is one of the interesting experiences that all Magicians can recount. Perhaps that’s why we socialize in Magic Clubs - because it is only another Magician who can appreciate some of the funny things that happen from time to time.

This one occurred in 1979 in Rhodesia - Zimbabwe when Bishop Muzurewa was the new Prime Minister and President Gumede, the first African President was called on to open Parliament.

Problem - His formal morning suit needed a Top Hat and the President’s Office did not have one. I received a phone call. Somebody had thought that a Magician, of all people, would have one. I had four Opera Hats (that fold up), one very small solid Top Hat with shiny fur and a grey Racing Hat.

The only one that would fit was a size seven and a half made by Walter Barnard & Son (London) with someone’s initials inside. It was becoming a bit worn and I have since painted the rim and edges with black PVA to hold it together. And of course a folding Opera Hat is incorrect formal wear and it is so called, so the Opera House cloakrooms could store them in thin flat shelves. Never mind, they told me. He doesn’t have to wear it, just hold it. They duly collected it and I felt quite amused that my old hat - which must be now 80 years old was to be used by the President. I got it from a priest in 1958, age 80 who had had it since being a young man.

Well - then the fun started. I received several phone calls from South African journalists, who had picked up the story and dug out my phone number in Zimbabwe. Aha!, I thought, this is a

chance for a bit of free publicity. Then I thought - they will make a fool of the President with cartoons and articles depicting him finding a rabbit in his hat or on his head or some other belittling story and that would not reflect very well on me either.

So I decided to deny all knowledge of lending the President my Opera Hat. I have never regretted that and I sometimes put on my old Hat and recall wistfully, that it was used by the President and I had done my bit to preserve his dignity.

Bernard H Williams