Donations for Stuart

As regular readers, and all his customers will know, Stuart the milkman retired last week after delivering milk in the local area for forty eight years.

Suggestions were made almost immediately the news broke that there should be a collection to recognise this amazing local service. Lynne at the Post Office and Judy at Williams' newsagents immediately volunteered to collect money and gifts at their shops.

But what to buy also attracted Chatbox comments. Here's a flavour of the debate.

Jill Sanders suggested: "I thought it would be nice if people could write a personal message to Stuart in a keepsake book rather than him getting loads of cards or anon donations? And maybe buy him a computer so he reads all the comments and memories people are posting!"

'AnnT' adds: "What a good idea, Jill. Personally I think a memory book/file, something like a scrap book with either pages stuck in or beautifully scripted (and I do know someone who could do that beautifully but I have not yet asked if she would be willing) would be better for the presentation. If funds permit the computer could be in addition but a big book is lovely to look at."

Robin Wilson, amongst others, has also joined in with a suggestion"Unless Stuart specifically wants something, and somebody knows what it is, would it not be the best idea just to give him the sum of the donations, so that he can buy what he really wants, now or at some time in the future? It is not very romantic, but practical." He adds: "Jill, a keepsake book is a great idea!"

Any other thoughts?

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