I’VE just come across a delightful little paperback about pipemoking that was published back in 1969 when the prospect of smoking being banned in public enclosed places was nothing more than a . . . um . . . pipe dream.

The book - A Pipe Smoker’s Guide by Charles Graves - ironically points out that the evil weed was first introduced into Europe from the Mexico for purely medicinal purposes.

I mention this little gem because I, as a pipesmoker, consider my nightly bowlful of Condor to be of great benefit, both to the spirit and the body. Contrary to modern medical opinion, I believe some physical good can be derived from an aromatic pipeful which is so relaxing, provided in a Clintonesque way one resists inhaling.

I have done this now for 42 years - my first pipe was indulged as a 16-year-old while on holiday. It was not a nice experience - the tobacconist supplied me with handrolling cigarette tobacco that was totally tasteless and burnt away as quick as a Roman candle.

I began to smoke a pipe properly when I was 18 - the same year I first began to sample the delights of Tetley’s bitter.

Over the years I have become comfortable with these regular vices - apart from changing beer for red wine in my thirties. The problem is where once there was no guilt I now suffer, like a male version of Bridget Jones, from occasional concerns about excessive units of alcohol and nasty lung diseases.

I try to be responsible about these things, but realise this aspect of my life is rather risky.

But, then again, I don’t drive fast and indulge in extreme sports such as base jumping off The Hoad.

What concerns me most, however, is that my behaviour makes it look like I don’t take seriously the warnings issued by medical experts about the ill-effects of both smoking and drinking - that I am, in fact, a bit of a thickie.

The truth is I, like many people, am prepared to take a calculated risk that my personal habits will not harm me if I limit the number of alcoholic units I consume and continue the Bill Clinton approach to smoking.Maybe, however, this is not a wise approach.

It’s something I must consider seriously tonight as I settle down with my pipe and glass of Shiraz.