Advice, please!

I am not able to offer advice to this correspondent. Can you help?

Could you advise me on suitable preparation material for the Caesar and Ovid Prescribed Authors module of the A2 examination? The only collections I am aware of on my shelves are a bit ancient. Is this where the photocopier comes into its own?

Please use the Comment facility if you can help, or e-mail me: david(at)parsonsd.co.uk . Thanks.

ARLT Secretary at the House of Commons

I've just received this from Linda, and am delighted to give it to the waiting world!

I was very pleased to find myself on the guest list of 120 or so to represent ARLT at a reception hosted by the Friends of Classics in the Members' Dining Room of the House of Commons just before Easter. Note to others who find themselves in this position ~ leave a good twenty minutes to get through the security check at the gate. Having passed muster, I then ascended the steps at the St Stephen's entrance, having met, to my delight, fellow Arelates Joan and Peter Newey also queuing patiently, and we made our way along a lofty corridor lined with statues of early prime ministers, through the octagonal lobby and on past stunning Victorian murals to the reception room, adjacent to the river. A drink clasped in my hand, I found myself talking to Lord Butler, next to a journalist from the Times Educational Supplement and then on more familiar territory with Jonathan Powell and Barbara Bell.

We were soon called to order by Linda Perham MP who was one of the event's sponsors. She explained how very grateful she was to have been able to read Classics at University and how useful an experience it had proved in her career. Graham Shipley from CUCD then talked about the changing role of Classics courses at Universities and Michael Fallon MP eloquently outlined the benefits of a Classical education. Peter Jones wound up the speeches in his own inimitable fashion which included an Aristophanaic parody featuring an accomplished imitation of David Blunkett.

More wine and nibbles were then served by the attentive staff and I spent a happy time chatting to as many guests as possible and spotting famous faces. My hit list included Boris Johnson, Peter Snow, Colin Dexter, Michael Meacher and Philip Howard.

All too soon it was time to catch the 9.45 from Paddington but I was determined to make the most of my time in the House so I stopped for a fascinating chat about the running of the Commons from a policeman in the lobby (school parties are still welcome to visit – contact your local MP) before admiring the architecture for one last time. The way out took us through the Old Westminster Hall with its stunning hammerbeam roof. (I spent too long in raptures over the roof and missed my train – but that's another story.)

Like many Arelates, I suspect, I found I felt curiously at home in the Houses of Parliament with its quasi ecclesiastical architecture, its aura of academe and an atmosphere strongly reminiscent of the English public school. That said, it was a heartening experience to witness Classics being endorsed by such a stimulating group of powerful and influential people.

Linda Soames