Sir, One of your correspondents, whom I have known for more years than I care to remember, has, usually, a shy and retiring nature unless provoked into writing on a wide variety of subjects, but while on holiday his modesty was shattered and his low ego boosted by an encounter, which I have his wife’s permission to recount as if you and others might be interested.

While waiting for a bus on the Hampshire/Dorset border near the rather exclusive Chewton Glen Hotel, near Highcliffe, at which, I add hastily, they were not staying, they were joined by another hale and hearty couple and, as one does, they started to talk about the weather and other things and it emerged that both couples lived in Wantage, half recognised one another but did not know one another’s names.

Names were exchanged and the next stage of the conversation went something like this “Are you the man who writes letters to the Herald?”; reluctant reply, with usual modesty, “Yes, I am,”; response “I enjoy reading what you have to say because it is often about the old Wantage I knew.”

Was she just being polite ? I don’t think so. I believe it was a genuine response, but then I would, wouldn’t I? It’s a small world and I was pleased that I was on holiday with my wife and not someone else’s.

Jack Loftin Charlton Village Road Wantage