Sunday 16 October 2011

We're only a Little Place!

A few days ago, a customer bought a large boxful of books and needed a taxi to get them to where he needed to go. We had the numbers of three different local taxi firms behind the counter - but it wasn't that easy. One firm was on holiday (yes, all of it), and the other two didn't answer the phone. All we could do was keep the books for the customer, and give him the numbers of the two firms that weren't on holiday to try again later.
The following day, he came to take the books away - without having been able to book a taxi. "You need to book two days in advance!" he said, in horrified amazement. He was obviously used to being able to get hold of a cab pretty much instantly, any time of the day or night. Sadly, we are a small place, far from urban centres, and we can't manage that.
This afternoon a chap came in looking for a shop that sold stationery. I suggested the newsagents, with the proviso that, as it was Sunday, they may well be closed when he got there. It wasn't just any notebook he was looking for, though - it was a moleskine (is that how you spell it? I don't think I've ever actually seen one). I said maybe Hereford or Brecon, but even then, I wasn't sure. Again, he was amazed - but we are a small place, and we can't manage that.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Chatlles

Arthur's dad said...

I think Chattels sell Moleskines, Lesley and I think Richard Booth's Bookshop do too.

Anonymous said...

I bought one in Waterstones in Swansea a few years back. Probably should be somewhere in Hay where you could buy one - given their pedigree. Maybe Pembertons?

adele nozedar said...

hello there !

I'm a big fan of the moleskine notebook and although much cheaper versions are available at TK Maxx, Diana has a large range of them at Pembertons! The Hay Festival usually make a souvenir moleskine for each festival (not exactly a bargain, mind!) No need to post this, just wanted you to know for future ref xx

Eigon said...

Well, that's shown up my ignorance! I'll know better next time.

Anonymous said...

I remember overhearing two men at The Swan Hotel this summer They'd arrived early on Saturday with a view to going to glasbury and canoeing back to Hay. Having parked their car and checked in, they went to reception and asked 'where's the best place to stand to hail a cab?' that wasn't going to happen so Amy nipped them down the road in her car.