Re: [@julian] [A/S] Re: Yes, those blue beret hats look stupid.

[John P Sargeant <john.sargeant@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I also did a double take when I first saw the beret, jacket and white 
trousers.  It reminded me of the sailor's outfit that Hyacinth Bucket 
wore on "Keeping up Appearances."
I think that the beret is an essential part of the tradition of WBCCI 
however, and it certainly shouldn't be abandoned. It should however, be 
reassessed, the same way in which the Scouts reassessed the campaign hat 
(pointed  crown stetson)  and replaced it with a ball cap.
 
The problem with a beret is that it should either look like a tam and be 
worn flat on the head, or look like a military beret  (Green beret, UN 
blue beret , PPCLI etc.) with the side pulled hard down. ( In the 
Strathcona Horse, we were even known to put a piece of bicycle chain in 
the fold of the beret to make it fold down against the side of the head 
and not pop up. )To be worn military style it needs to be constructed 
without a wide head band and without a large badge. They also should be 
worn down the forehead, and not flopped on the back of the head like a 
tam.  The former can look very  sharp, the latter, rather silly. (IMHO)

Another think too, we have to realize that what might look appropriate 
on a female, might not look so appropriate on a male and vice versa. We 
should also ask ourselves , should a WBCCI er have to be of  that 
certain age, to carry off the wearing of the beret.  Perhaps you don't 
have to wear one if you still aren't to the black sock, sandals  and 
bermuda short stage :-P

I think we should bring our beret into the 21st century, continue a 
tradition, and get on with the really important stuff, like stinky 
snakes, how to replace the rubber grommet in your windows, whittling a 
door wedge, and how to watch someone back into a parking space without 
actually voicing instructions. ;-)

John Sargeant
WBCCI # 5530
Sitting in the driveway , waiting for spring.