RECENTLY a favourite pen of mine ran dry so I needed to source a replacement refill for it.

This is not as easy as it sounds these days.

The pen in question was an expensive combination ballpoint/pencil gifted to me two years ago and now the ballpoint needed a refill.

Trying to find a replacement in Darlington was impossible.

I tried all the likely stationary outlets, all to no avail. They did not stock that particular model so a refill could not be ordered.

Not so many years ago it would have been a different outlook. I could have walked into the Dressers store on High Row, and sought out the ever so helpful lady assistant who worked on the stationary counter.

I would have explained what I needed and she would have sourced the appropriate refill in a matter of minutes.

If she could not, knowing her, she would have ordered it for me, then contacted me when it had arrived in store for collection.

That is how stores like Dressers operated in those days and it was appreciated no end by its customers.

I do miss Dressers. Their staff and merchandise were second to none and at this time of the year they were a blessing in disguise.

Doug Porthouse, Ferryhill.