A COUPLE of weeks ago I paid my customary visit to the bank. Whilst waiting to be served I overhead a conversation between the cashier and the lady in front of me about lemon drizzle cake.

The cake was obviously a homemade speciality of the lady customer and the cashier was praising profusely its taste and quality, obviously having sampled it at some time.

I could not help myself, I blurted out, “I’m sorry, my mouth’s watering, I just love lemon drizzle too!” Whereupon the customer, who was completely unknown to me, turned and with a delighted smile, said that the next time I came into the bank there would be a piece of cake waiting for me.

I thought no more about it. A week later I arrived at my bank a few minutes before opening time. It was cold and raining.

I did not have to wait too long before the door was opened up by the manager himself and I was welcomed in.

I thanked him and commented that he had opened up a bit earlier than usual.

To which he replied, “Well, I spotted you through the window and didn’t want you hanging around in the rain.”

My day was made when, upon seeing me, the cashier dashed off, returning a moment later with a gorgeous piece of lemon drizzle cake.

My sincere thanks to that lovely lady for the cake and to the cashier who looked after that slice for me. And also to my bank manager who has proved to me that at least one of his genre can be caring and thoughtful.

Marlborough has been voted one of the best places in which to live and when I reflect upon my experience at the bank I am not at all surprised.

ROBERT MACMILLAN Churchill Court Kelham Gardens Mar