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Q. I am shortly to give the address at a memorial service. I have a sentimental streak and may well be overcome by emotion. I dread being unable to continue once the tears start rolling.
Name and address withheld
A. Why not use this tip given to someone in a similar position to your own by actor/ playwright Simon Williams. Come prepared with a handkerchief drenched in old-fashioned smelling salts (still available from chemists). Should you sense an imminent collapse you need only run the hankerchief briefly past your nose to give yourself a physical shock sufficient to cut sharply through the welling emotion and help you to maintain your composure.
Q. I have a pair of solid silver candelabra which make my table look spectacular. The problem is that they become so badly clogged after one use that they take hours to clean. Is it acceptable to fit them with cardboard ‘collars’ such as those used on dog’s necks to stop them scratching?
C.T., London SW3
A. No, this is not acceptable. You can clean them quickly the next day by blasting them with a hairdryer till the wax runs off on to blotting paper.
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