It fell to Walter Humes, research professor in education at Paisley University and TES Scotlandcolumnist, to carry out the honours of introducing Robert Brown, Deputy Education Minister, as speaker at the first national chartered teachers’ conference. Mr Brown, he pointed out, was honorary president of Overtoun Park bowling club. “That compares very well with croquet, as I am sure John Prescott will bear testament,” said Humes. The minister hastily insisted he was a non-playing member.