At last - customer service!

I went with my wife, Kate, to the traditional boat show at Henley one Sunday recently. Most enjoyable and, if you go after about 2pm, entry is half-price!

There was a stall selling, among other things, deck shoes. As I needed a pair, I browsed. And found the perfect pair at the perfect price!

However, a little demon (Kate) whispered in my ear, "Don't buy at the first place you come to." This, of course, is a female thing. I'm not sexist but they do insist on visiting every shop before returning inevitably to the first to make the purchase. This is because they could not bear to find the same thing at a lower price somwhere else. Men do not have this problem as, having found what we want, we buy and never look at that item anywhere again. Thus we remain blissfully ignorant of the fact that we might have saved a bob (10p to the youngsters) or two by spending three hours trailing from shop to shop.

So my natural inclination is to buy now. But there is the possibility that Kate will get the chance to say "I told you so." later on. So I reluctantly depart promising to return soon.

We cover the entire show, Kate buys yet another hat she will never wear, we have an ice cream and, eventually, return to the shoe stall.

THEY HAVE SOLD MY SHOES!

There is not another pair in stock. I am desolate. But the nice couple running the stall have good news; another shipment is due in next week. I order and pay. By the following Friday, my shoes have arrived. They are just as I remember (perfect) and there is a spare pair of laces in the box. Bliss!

Unfortunately the nice people who run the stall do not have a website. But I'm sure maggieandivor@hotmail.com would be delighted to receive your enquiries if you too need a new pair of deck shoes!

Postscript. Isn't it sad though, that I am getting so excited over a supplier that simply does what they say they will do?