Age Concern

Ramsgate reader Ashley writes:

I visited Ramsgate town on Easter Saturday to purchase two birthday cards, one for a female relative in the north of England, and the other for an elderly male neighbour of mine who has an interest in steam locomotives.

I thought a card with a locomotive or train picture on the front would be ideal. I went into Clinton cards in the old post office building in the high street, that was a mistake. I did find a card for the female that was just suitable and for my neighbour one that was not quite what I required but would be better than nothing.

I made my choice and took the cards to the counter to pay, and to enquire if per chance I had missed the steam card or maybe they had one that was not in any of the card displays. Oh dear. I was then told in no uncertain terms, and in front of a witness that 'we do not cater for people of your age' (I am 61). The lady assistant who told me this said that she thought it was wrong and that she had told head office so, but they stick by their guns.

It would appear that people of my age are not welcome in that card shop. Strange to say I was the only customer in there at that particular time. Maybe we will soon see the shutters going up on yet another shop in Ramsgate soon.

Well Ashley, they would certainly seem to be ignoring a large proportion of their potential Ramsgate customers there. I'm surprised, as Bill and Hillary are well into their 60s themselves. Perhaps someone should open a similar outlet and call it Cardiology? That should bring the elderly and confused flocking!