Letter: Hairless mistake

Sir: My beard lasted for some 35 years until it dawned on me that having retired early and no longer needing to get up before six to commute, I had time to shave (letter, 13 June). So off it came. But just as I had to explain why I started wearing one, so I had to give good reason when I again shaved.

You find out what people think of you. I had to be reintroduced to an elderly matron of this parish who squinted up at me and trilled, "Oh, you haven't got a weak chin after all."