Wit and Wisdom

A compilation of comments, quotes and sayings from relatives, friends and associates

Witty comments and wise words come and go. Just occasionally they are passed on within families and between friends and even more rarely written down so that distant generations can enjoy the quips of long-lost ancestors and friends. In the present compilation of comments of the author's relatives, friends and colleagues the aim was to write these down and save them from oblivion.

Ruth Adelaide Burningham, formerly Loxdale, née Brambleby (1886-1973)

(Hugh’s paternal grandmother; organiser for many years in the 1920s and 30s of Dinners and Banquets in London, including the Lord Mayor’s Banquet.)

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“They are craftier than a wagonload of monkeys.”

“A soft word turneth away wrath.”

“You can always tell a respectable person by looking at their hands and feet, especially fingernails and shoes.”

“You may as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb.”

“The less said the soon as mended.”

“A stitch in time saves nine.”

“Keep a brave heart.”

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Gwendoline Annie Loxdale, formerly Renner,

née Slaughter (1925-2010)

(Jack Loxdale’s second wife, 1974-1993; civil servant in the Department of Health & Social Security (DHSS),

Watford, Hertfordshire)

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“Don’t worry, it’s nothing that a blind man would notice”, referring to a small tea stain on the settee.

“What cannot be cured must be endured.”

“Where there’s no sense, there’s no feeling.”

“I do not want to become a burden to anybody”, a comment made on the prospects of growing old.

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Prof. Tariq Butt, PhD (b. 1954)

(Hugh’s friend and colleague at Rothamsted; insect pathologist)

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“I didn’t know that my jokes were so bad!”

“There’s a programme on tonight that may be interesting…about biological control…well biological warfare actually.”

“In India, people can be very bureaucratic. Lots want to be Chiefs, but few wish to be…Indians.”

To a guest visiting the Insect Survey, Entomology & Nematology Department at Rothamsted:

“This is the Insect Survey…where they…um…survey insects!”

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