What a dream coat for an American cop!

ON HOLIDAY in the U.S., my husband and I were walking quite entranced along the seafront near Los Angeles. A section going right along the promenade was used by roller skaters. There were lots of them rolling along, some with their dogs on leads trotting beside them. Two burly police officers were standing by, keeping an eye on the scene, and we wandered over to speak to them. Of course they knew immediately from our accent that we were British. One of them said he really wanted to visit England. I was expecting him to give us a list of famous historic places he wanted to see, such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace and Stratford-upon-Avon. The amusing thing was that he didn’t mention any of these places. He simply wanted to visit England to buy an Ulster overcoat, known for its high quality, and see a thatched cottage. This happened some years ago and I’ve often wondered if he achieved his ambition. If anyone else has visited that promenade and seen a wellbuilt police officer wearing an Ulster overcoat — that’s him!

by schools until the 1960s. Her advice of careful purchasing and cooking innovative, easy, nourishing meals is as true today. The excuse ‘I haven’t the time’ has to be overcome.

IAN GREEN, Malvern, Worcs.