Letters: A smile to a stranger goes a long way in these times

SIR – First of all a huge ‘thank you’ to all the staff at the Advertiser and Times for continuing to keep us informed and entertained during these difficult happenings.

Secondly, can I make a plea to people in general that when you are out on your half walk and fresh air trip that you greet other people that you come across?

Most people do so but I noticed this morning (Sunday) that several people put their heads even lower and avoided eye contact.

Please rest assured that a smile or even a wave will not result in contamination! You may be the only person that passer-by sees all day. Be friendly.

Lastly, I am amazed at how many people born after about 1935 seem to be able to recall vividly the war-time spirit of bonhomie and co-operation.

Even people of four years old seem to have remarkable powers of recall!

I was six in the summer 1945 towards the end of the war and although I can recall the agony of being stung by a wasp, our air raid shelter and barrage balloons (which looked like elephants in the sky), I cannot recall personally how people behaved towards their

fellows.

Stay well and be kind to one another.

Chris Battison, New Milton