We’ve just bagged a festive shopper!

Many years ago, while I was out Christmas shopping with my very reluctant 6 ft 4 in other half, we battled our way to the front door of a large and busy department store. Himself had been given the onerous task of carrying a string bag laden with a few items, but he was complaining bitterly about the weight of it. He only discovered at the door why it felt so heavy: because a dear little old lady, all of 5 ft tall, had been caught up in the string bag by the large button on her coat. She accepted our apology, but we were mortified when she told us she had been right at the far end of the store when she had been caught up and pulled back to the front door by my string bag — helped by my husband. I often think about that poor dear when I am battling my way through the Christmas crowds.

Alwyn Reed, minster Lovell, oxon.

Follow-up

a Cold-Caller wanted to sell my husband a mobile phone. ‘mobile?’ said my husband. ‘How fast does it run? Will I be able to catch it? I’m 84 and can’t run very fast.’ after informing the caller he had no need of a mobile phone, my husband was asked how he managed without one. ‘I use a pigeon,’ he replied. ‘you tie a little note to its leg and off it flies.’ ‘a pigeon? But how much does it cost to keep such a bird?’ asked the caller. ‘oh, I just buy the odd sack of grain — it’s quite cheap.’ at this point, there was a babble of voices at the other end and the phone was slammed down. I think the other party had twigged they were being taken for a ride!

Jane Crompton, Bidford-on-Avon, Warks.