SIR – May I compliment David Barnett on yet another relevant set of observations about manners in stores.
Like David, I relish the days when shop assistants seemed to enjoy a chance to provide good service and courtesy, not the supercilious, patronising attitude of obsequious creeping, but genuine concern.
Now elderly, handicapped and frail, I frequently have to endure rudeness and contempt when having to obtain information from offices and enquire at counters.
Even a large number of broadcasters seem to relish making unexpected announcements, while somehow expecting listeners to produce an open notebook and pen ready to catch the first few digits of a phone number.
During the war years, I was pleased to be offered a hand with dangerous and/or difficult tasks, no oaths or promises. Simply a dependable person made sure the job was done properly, and vanished. No “Be with you in a second mate”, so often promised by those who have no intention of returning.
Thank goodness there are still some people who keep promises and smile in a friendly way.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article