A Mr Pumphret Entwhistle wrote to VB this week to outline an event that has left him filled with admiration for the Island and its inhabitants.
“I was driving along one of your more adventurous roads when I stopped to ask a pedestrian some directions.” he explained.
“To my utter astonishment not only did he not give the standard reply – ‘sorry mate I’m a stranger, only just got here meself’ but knew precisely where Niton was and was able to give clear and concise directions, hesitating only over the junction of Arreton Valley and St George’s Down.
“Despite being much travelled, I have never before met with such helpful efficiency. Except possibly once, in Glasgow. But in that case I couldn’t be sure if the gentleman knew what he was talking about because I couldn’t understand a single word he was saying.
“At any rate, I do feel such phenomena should be recognised in some manner. As a way perhaps of encouraging others to emulate.”
Agreeing this seemed a good idea, we called County Hall for their reaction. Unfortunately their spokesperson was lukewarm.
“You must realise that half our tourist trade businesses rely on people calling in under the impression they are somewhere else and then thinking they ought to buy a pot of tea and a sticky bun before moving on.” he said. “And besides that, if everyone knew where they were going all the time, we’d lose much of our long-stays in favour of short breaks.
“Much better to leave well alone,” he added. “After all, it’s a method that’s served us well over the years.”
