Hospitality

In one of the towns that she was to visit, she was booked to stay in a small guest house owned by the local schoolmaster. She was concerned as to whether the guest house had a suitable toilet. She wrote to the schoolmaster inquiring about the facilities like Western Closet 'WC'.

The school master, not having heard the term, asked the local priest if he knew the meaning of WC. Together they pondered possible meanings of the letters. The priest, convinced the schoolmaster that the lady wanted to know about the local church, which they called Western Chappel.

So the schoolmaster wrote the following reply:

Dear Madam,

I take great pleasure in informing you that the WC is located 9 miles from the house in the middle of a grove of pine trees, surrounded by lovely grounds. It is capable of holding 229 people and is open on Sundays and Thursdays. This is an unfortunate situation especially if you are in the habit of going daily. As many people are expected on each of these two days, I suggest you arrive early. Those who do not often have to remain standing throughout. It may be of some interest to you that my friend's daughter was married in the WC as it was there that she met her husband. It was a wonderful event. There were 10 people in every seat.

It was wonderful to see the expressions on their faces. My friend's wife, sadly, has been ill and unable to go recently. It has been almost a year since she went last and this pains her greatly.

You will be pleased to know that many people carry their lunch and make a day of it. Others prefer to wait till the last minute and arrive just in time. I would recommend your ladyship plan to go on a Thursday as there is an organ accompaniment. The acoustics are excellent and even the most delicate sounds can be heard everywhere.

The newest addition is a bell which rings every time a person enters. Funds are being collected to provide plush seats for all since many feel it is long needed. I look forward to escorting you there myself and seating you in a place where you can be seen by all.

With deepest regards,

The Schoolmaster.

The woman fainted reading the reply....