Scurrying back, with heads down against the damp chill of the night, after a convivial evening at Coates, Cirencester, my wife and I were surprised to be hailed by a young lady in hot pursuit.

“Do you own a set of keys with a yellow fob?” she gasped.

My house keys! “My husband’s got them,” she said.

I must have dropped them whilst paying the bill.

She and her husband had abandoned all to go off in different directions to find us.

Such spontaneous consideration to us, complete strangers, has left us with a warm glow whenever we think of it.

I like to think that they have some contentment too for having done us a kindness.

What a happier place the world would be if everyone was like that young couple.

What joy a random act of kindness can give to all concerned.

Thank you, young couple from Purton, (or was it Poulton?).

We wish you every happiness.

Jacky and Derek Skinner,

Down Ampney