If you have one of those plastic orange peelers (like from Tupperware), the
flat end fits inside the hole of the paddle just perfectly, and with a
slight tug, you should be able to remove the paddle easily. The peeler
looks a bit like a crochet needle, with a sort-of hooked end that has the
sharp side which you use to slice into the peel of the orange, and the
other end is flat, like a screwdriver head. Come to think of it, if you
have a large plastic crochet needle, that should work too!
Corina
P.S. I was sad to hear of Max's passing. Although I never corresponded
with him, I was often educated and always entertained by his postings. My
heart and prayers go out to his family.